A 


CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER 


KIMBALL  SCRIBNER 


A 


-X 


J 


IN  COMPANY  WITH  CLARK  AND    MC  DOWELL,   I  RODE  SOUTHWARD.'' 

(Frontispiece) 


A 

CONTINENTAL 
CAVALIER 


The  Record  of  Some  Incidents  Pertaining  to  the  Chevalier 
de  Marc,  Brevet  Major  in  the  Army  of  the  Colonies, 
Atd-de-Camp  to  General,  The  Marquis  Lafayette. 


BY 
KIMBALL    SCRIBNER 

Author  of  "  The  Fifth  of  November,"  "  The  Honor  of 
a  Princess,"  "  The  Love  of  the   Princess   Alice,"  etc. 


THE 


Hbbey  press 


PUBLISHERS 

I  14 

FIFTH     AVENUE 
NEW  YORK 


COPYRIGHT,  1899, 

BY 

FRANK  KIMBALL  SCRIBNER. 


AFFECTIONATELY    DKDICATKD 

.  TO 
MY   MOTHER. 


BOOKS  BY  THE  SAME  AUTHOR 


THE  HONOR  OF  A  PRINCESS.  Being  a  History  of  the  Adven 
tures  of  Harold  Martant,  Gentleman  of  England. 
Twenty-second  thousand. 

THE  LOVE  OF  THE  PRINCESS  ALICE.  A  Romance  of  the 
Thirty  Years'  War.  Fifteenth  thousand. 

IN  THE  LAND  OF  THE  LOON.  A  Romance  of  the  Wilder 
ness. 

THE  FIFTH  OF  NOVEMBER.     A  Romance  of  the  Stuarts. 

IN  BELEAGUERED  PARIS.  A  Story  of  the  Franco-Prussian 
War. 


The  men  in  Buff  and  Blue  !  Heroes  of  Lexington, 
Bunker  Hill,  Monmouth  and  Saratoga.  Dim  through 
the  mist  of  passing  years  they  arise  before  us,  the 
generation  of  another  century.  The  faded  coats,  with 
their  dingy  facings ,  hang  in  glass  cases  or  lie  forgotten 
in  the  chest  where  our  great-grandmothers  so  carefully 
placed  them.  The  old  flint-locks  which  spoke  so 
eloquently  on  the  shore  of  Brandywine,  at  Princeton, 
Trenton  and  Bennington ;  curiosities  now,  resting  in 
the  museum  or  hidden  in  a  junk-shop.  The  rude  blades 
of  the  troopers — the  swords  of  Marion's  men  and 
"Light  Horse  Harry's"  dragoons  !  Wielded  by 
hands  which  have  long  been  dust — drawn  so  sturdilv 
when  the  sun  of  liberty  wavered  between  setting  and 
ascendency ;  flashing  in  the  warm  light  of  southern 
skies;  clanging  in  the  shock  of  conflict— in  the  day 
when  Tarlcton's  red-coated  legions  swept  the  Carolinas. 
Warriors  of  the  Wilderness  !  the  men  of  King's 
Mountain,  Guilford  and  the  Cowpens ;  their  deeds 
are  long  since  history — dim  through  the  passing  of  a 
century. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  NOTE 


Mr.  Kimball  Scribner,  the  author  of  this  book,  was 
born  in  New  York  City,  February  22(i,  1867.  He  re 
ceived  his  education  at  Williams  College,  graduating  in 
the  class  of  'go,  and  during  the  two  succeeding  years 
continued  his  studies  at  the  Harvard  Law  School,  in 
tending  to  follow  the  profession  of  law.  But  the  love  of 
letters  decided  him  to  turn  his  attention  to  a  literary 
rather  than  a  legal  life.  To  this  end  he  accepted  a  po 
sition  on  the  staff  of  the  New  York  Sun,  where  he  re 
mained  until  the  fall  of  1896.  During  that  time  he 
acquired  mttch  valuable  experience  for  his  chosen  work. 
While  on  the  Sun  he  wrote  for  that  paper  a  series  of 
Adirondack  hunting  and  fishing  stories,  which  have 
since  been  published  in  book  form.  After  severing  his 
connection  with  the  Sun,  Mr.  Scribner  spent  some  time  in 
travel  and  entered  the  literary  field  as  a  free  lance. 
Many  of  his  stories  have  appeared  in  variotis  magazines 
and  periodicals,  his  fondness  for  athletic  and  out-door 
sports,  particularly  those  of  forest  and  stream,  being  re 
vealed  in  muck  of  his  work.  In  1897  his  first  book, 
"  The  Honor  of  a  Princess,"  was  published ;  it  has  itp 
to  the  present  reached  its  twenty-third  thousand.  This 
was  later  followed  by  a  sequel :  "  The  Love  of  the  Prin 
cess  Alice  "  (fifteenth  thousand}.  Mr.  Scribner  has  also 
written,  in  collaboration  with  Dr.  Charles  S.  Bentley, 
"  The  Fifth  of  November,"  a  story  which  has  been  well 
received  by  lovers  of  English  historical  romance.  In  this 
his  most  recent  book,  "A  Continental  Cavalier,"  he  has 
entered  upon  his  favorite  field— the  period  of  the  Ameri 
can  Revolution. 

THE  PUBLISHERS. 


KIMBALL  SCRIBNER 


CONTENTS 


FAGB 

PROLOGUE 5 

I 
A  Gentleman  of  France 1 1 

II 
Concerning  a  Famous  Spy 20 

III 

Bourmont  House 27 

'  'IV 
McDowell,  of  the  Carolinas 38 

V 
What  Befell  at  Red  House  Tavern 50 

VI 
Warriors  of  the  Wilderness 64 

VII 

King's  Mountain 72 

VIII 

How  Three  came  to  Chester 85 

IX 
The  Cabin  in  the  Forest 95 

X 
The  Horsemen 108 

XI 
Major  Brooks'  Recital 116 

XII 
The  Attack  on  the  Log  House 124 

3 


4  CONTENTS. 

XIII 
The  Coming  Again  to  Chester 138 

XIV 
The  Passing  of  a  Sentinel 145 

XV 
At  Charlotte 1 50 

XVI 
A  Colonel  of  Dragoons 1 57 

XVII 

The  Surrendering  of  a  Sword 165 

XVIII 
The  Road  to  Winnsborough 172 

XIX 

Clark,  of  the  Regulars 179 

XX 
A  Maid  of  the  Colonies 188 

XXI 
At  General  Washington's  Headquarters 195 

XXII 

At  Bourmont  House 204 

XXIII 
The  Battle  of  the  Cowpens 212 

XXIV 
The  Night  after  the  Battle 224 

XXV 
The  Inn  at  Salisbury 232 

XXVI 

The  Swamp  Fox 238 

XXVII 
After  Yorktown 247 

EPILOGUE 254 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 


"  In  Company  with  Clark  and  McDowell  I  Rode 

Southward  " Frontispiece. 

"  Often  only  a  Handful  of  Troopers  Rode  with 

Him  " Page        91 

"  One  of  the  Dragoons  Discharged  His  Rifle  ".  .  .Page       149 
"  '  Ah  I '  Cried  He,  and  Struck  at  Me  Fiercely  ". .  Page      222 


A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 


PROLOGUE. 

FROM  VERSAILLES  TO  THE  COLONIES. 

A  SUMMONS  to  attend  the  Count  dele  Mans  in  the 
King's  cabinet  !  It  was  received  with  impa 
tience,  for  I  had  but  just  returned  from  a  mission 
assigned  me  by  the  Minister,  and  the  afternoon's 
ride  was  long  and  hard.  The  Count  being  at  the 
time  one  of  his  Majesty's  favorites,  it  caused  but 
momentary  surprise  that  I,  an  attache  to  the 
nobleman,  should  be  commanded  to  meet  him  in 
the  royal  apartment.  I  soon  presented  myself  at 
the  door  ;  the  Count's  voice  bade  me  enter,  when, 
to  my  embarrassment,  I  perceived  King  Louis 
himself  standing  at  the  open  window. 

As  I  bowed  low  on  the  threshold  he  raised  his 
eyes,  and  the  Count,  who  was  pacing  restlessly 
to  and  fro,  stopped  suddenly,  exclaiming  with 
relief:  "Ah,  Henri!  I  feared  you  would  not 
return  before  nightfall." 

The  presence  of  the  King  checked  any  reply, 
which  perceiving,  Le  Mans  turned  to  him  and 
said  : 

' '  Sire,  this  is  the  young  man  with  whom  I  have 
ventured  to  acquaint  you,  Henri  de  Marc,  whose 
father  was  known  to  your  Majesty." 

5 


6  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

"And  his  son's  friend,"  replied  the  King,  hold 
ing  out  his  hand  that  I  might  salute  him.  "If 
the  boy  be  as  the  sire,  methinks  you  have  found 
an  able  messenger." 

The  Count  smiled  as  I  acknowledged  this  trib 
ute  to  my  father's  memory,  and  said  : 

"  I  have  known  De  Marc  since  a  mere  lad,  and 
there  are  few  youths  in  your  Majesty's  kingdom 
who  can  equal  him  in  courage  and  prudence ; 
Edouard  and  he  have  ever  been  as  brothers." 

"  You  are  fortunate  to  stand  so  highly  in  the 
Count's  favor,"  said  the  King  addressing  me, 
"and  it  is  our  pleasure  that  you  do  his  bidding; 
therefore,  Count,  speak  with  him  freely." 

As  though  wearied  with  so  long  an  utterance, 
Louis  turned  again  to  the  window  leaving  us  to 
continue  our  conversation. 

"It  is  of  Edouard  you  would  speak,"  I  ven 
tured,  noticing  that  the  Count  was  strongly  agi 
tated.  "  Surely  no  evil " 

"  My  son  is  well,"  interrupted  Le  Mans,  clasp 
ing  his  delicate  white  hands  together,  "yet  I  am 
greatly  troubled;  he  has  departed  for  America." 

"  America  ? "  cried  I. 

"  Even  so,"  replied  he  shortly,  "the  day  be 
fore  yesterday." 

"  But  I  saw  the  Vicomte  in  Paris  scarce  a  fort 
night  since,"  I  exclaimed;  "hesaidnothing " 

The  Count  frowned.  "Neither  to  the  King, 
nor  to  me,  his  father.  It  is  the  fever  which  has 
carried  so  many  of  his  associates  to  the  Colonies. 

Lafayette He  struck  his  hand  impatiently 

upon  the  table.  "That  my  son's  heart  turned 
toward  the  Colonies  I  well  knew,"  said  he  bit 
terly,  "but  that  he  should  have  left  France 
secretly,  I  cannot  yet  bring  myself  to  realize." 


FROM    VERSAILLES    TO    THE   COLONIES.       7 

I  understood  the  cause  of  the  Vicomte's  hasty 
action.  That  the  Count  de  le  Mans  had  little 
-sympathy  with  the  revolutionists  was  well  known 
throughout  the  Court.  That  he  had  turned  a  deaf 
ear  to  the  importunities  of  his  son  to  be  permitted 
to  offer  his  services  to  General  Washington  was 
known  as  well.  The  Count  was  old  ;  for  two 
centuries  his  house  had  served  a  king,  and  to  his 
mind  the  Americans  were  rebels,  even  though 
they  contended  against  the  hated  English. 
Above  all,  Edouard  was  the  last  of  his  house  ;  the 
one  strong  limb  on  the  tottering  trunk  of  an 
ancient  race  ;  were  he  to  fall,  France  must  lose 
a  name  long  associated  with  her  proudest  deeds. 

The  Count  nervously  drew  from  his  waistcoat 
a  paper,  and  handed  it  to  me.  "  Here,"  said  he, 
"is  a  letter  received  this  day  from  Paris;  it  is 
from  the  Vicomte,  written  on  the  eve  of  his  de 
parture." 

I  eagerly  scanned  the  proffered  sheet  ;  it  told 
only  that  the  writer  was  about  to  sail  for  America 
in  company  with  six  companions.  The  last  line 
begged  forgiveness,  for,  wrote  he:  "  I  shall  up 
hold  the  name  I  bear  with  honor,  and  return  with 
Lafayette  to  receive  the  approbation  of  the  King, 
our  sovereign." 

As  I  raised  my  eyes  I  saw  that  the  King  was 
standing  beside  Le  Mans.  Louis  was  tender 
hearted,  and  the  grief  of  the  old  nobleman 
touched  him.  He  laid  his  hand  half  caressingly 
on  the  Count's  arm. 

"Come!  "said  he  gently,  "all  is  not  lost ;  I 
doubt  me  not  thy  son  will  return  to  thee.  And  if 
not 

Le  Mans  fixed  his  eyes  inquiringly  upon  the 
King's  face. 


8  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

"  Thou  art  a  Frenchman,  and  the  French  are 
brave,"  concluded  Louis,  "  hast  thou  forgotten  ?  " 

The  Count  calmed  himself  by  an  effort. 
"  Sire  !"  cried  he,  "lam  indeed  a  Frenchman, 
yet  my  son  is  very  dear ;  he  is  the  last  and  only 
one."  Then,  turning  to  me  : 

"  Edouard  loves  you,  Henri;  perhaps  he  was 
too  hasty.  Find  him,  and  say  that  the  King 
commands  his  return.  You  surely  can  influence 
him." 

"Then  ?  "  said  I. 

"You  must  follow  him.  You  are  young, 
brave,  and  speak  the  English  language  fluently. 
You  must  go  to  America,  and  Edouard  must 
return  with  you." 

"  I  will  go  !  "  said  I,   "  Lafayette " 

The  Count  seized  my  hand.  "Find  my  son, 
but  speak  not  to  me  of  the  Marquis  Lafayette  ; 
'twas  he  who  turned  the  Vicomte's  sympathies 

toward  America.  Were  he  in  France "  His 

nervous  fingers  sought  the  hilt  of  his  sword. 

"  Nay  !  "  said  Louis  half  sternly,  "  your  anxi 
ety  hath  carried  you  too  far.  'Tis  the  spirit  of  a 
Frenchman  that  has  led  your  son  into  this  war. 
Yet  I  wish  him  to  return,  and  you,  De  Marc, 
will  bear  my  command  to  America." 

As  he  turned  away  impatiently,  signifying  by 
a  gesture  that  he  wished  to  be  alone,  I  bowed  low 
and  retreated  to  the  corridor.  The  Count  fol 
lowed,  closing  the  door  softly. 

"You  have  heard, "  said  he,  "the  King  com 
mands  that  the  Vicomte  return  to  France.  To 
morrow  a  fast  corvette  sails  for  America. " 

"Then,"  said  I,  "it  will  be  necessary  that  I 
leave  Versailles  at  once." 

Taking    my    hand    he    continued    feelingly  : 


FROM    VERSAILLES    TO   THE    COLONIES.        9 

"  Your  father  and  I,  Henri,  passed  through  many 
dangers  together,  and  I  have  known  you  since 
infancy  ;  you  are  to  me  as  a  second  son,  yet  I 
am  about  to  send  you  into  scenes  and  places 
which  may  contain  many  perils,  I,  who  was  your 
father's  friend.  But  I  know  you  will  go,  and — 
He  trembled,  while  moisture  gathered  in  his  eyes. 
I  caught  his  hands  in  both  my  own. 

"  Count  de  le  Mans,"  said  I,  "  I  go  most  will 
ingly,  for  in  leaving  France  I  serve  you.  Beside, 
it  has  long  been  my  wish  to  see  America  ;  in  an 
hour  I  shall  be  ready." 

He  threw  his  arms  about  my  neck.  "  My 
son  !  "  he  cried,  "  my  son  !  " 

On  reaching  my  room  I  sank  exhausted  into  a 
chair  to  collect  my  thoughts.  I  was  indeed  over 
come  with  emotion  at  the  suddenness  of  events 
closing  about  me.  That  I  might  one  day  visit 
the  Colonies,  and  perhaps  strike  a  blow  in  behalf 
of  the  struggling  patriots  had  long  been  a  dream  ; 
yet  I  had  feared  to  make  known  my  desire  to  the 
Count,  for  it  had  needed  but  a  spark  to  kindle 
into  flame  the  smothered  longing  of  the  Vicornte, 
to  show  open  sympathy  with  the  Americans. 
Lafayette,  De  la  Rouerie,  and  many  of  his  life 
long  friends  had  offered  their  services  to  General 
Washington,  and  had  I  followed  their  example,  I 
well  knew  nothing  would  prevent  Kdouard  from 
joining  me.  But  now  that  he  was  on  his  way  to 
America,  this  reason  no  longer  existed,  and  I  was 
sent  by  command  of  the  King  and  my  foster- 
father  into  the  very  path  where  ambition  led  me. 

Glancing  at  the  various  articles  about  the  room 
which  long  association  had  made  dear,  I  decided 
upon  taking  but  one — my  father's  sword.  As  I 
removed  it  from  its  place  the  thought  flashed 


IO  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

upon  me  that  to  enter  the  field  armed  for  battle 
might  be  a  betrayal  of  the  Count's  confidence. 
Turning  it  carelessly  the  scabbard  slipped  from 
the  blade  and  fell  with  a  ring  of  steel  at  my  feet. 
I  read  from  this  omen,  that  I  should  stand  with 
naked  weapon,  and  await  events  which  might 
present  themselves  in  the  future.  An  hour  later, 
when  I  bade  adieu  to  the  Count,  the  sword  that 
had  ever  been  drawn  for  the  honor  of  France,  was 
stored  among  the  baggage  on  board  the  ship  which 
in  the  morning  sailed  for  America. 

Filled  with  enthusiasm,  as  I  stood  upon  its  deck 
looking  toward  the  distant  shore,  a  glory  seemed 
to  be  reflected  on  the  far  Western  horizon,  and  I 
felt  that  to  me  it  was  but  the  brilliant  opening  of 
a  brighter  day. 


A   GENTLEMAN   OF   FRANCE.  II 


CHAPTER    I. 

A   GENTLEMAN    OF    FRANCE. 

THE  thirtieth  of  September,  1780,  found  an  un 
dercurrent  of  apprehension  throughout  the  Con 
tinental  army.  It  was  a  time  of  appalling1  dis 
trust.  The  capture  six  days  previous  of  Major 
John  Andre',  adjutant-general  of  the  British  army, 
together  with  the  papers  concealed  about  his 
person  revealing  the  treachery  of  General  Bene 
dict  Arnold,  had  startled  the  country  from  its 
fancied  security.  General  Washington,  though 
outwardly  calm,  feared  treason  from  any  side. 
Every  resource  had  been  called  into  service  to 
protect  West  Point,  the  nation's  stronghold,  from 
sudden  surprise  by  the  enemy.  Vigilance  was 
the  price  of  safety  ;  Arnold  had  escaped  to  the 
British  lines,  and  at  any  moment  a  fleet  bearing 
an  army  of  red-coats  might  appear  upon  the  calm 
waters  of  the  Hudson.  Troops  stationed  on  the 
eastern  bank  of  the  river,  had  been  hurriedly  trans 
ferred  to  the  line  of  fortifications  flanking  the 
threatened  Point.  Colonel  Wade's  insufficient 
garrison  was,  at  the  urgent  command  of  Wash 
ington,  hastily  reinforced  by  militia  from  Massa 
chusetts,  Pennsylvania  and  the  neighboring  Jer 
seys  General  Greene,  commanding  the  army 
at  Tappan,  was  ordered  to  put  the  left  division 
in  motion  immediately,  that  it  might  await  fur 
ther  orders  at  King's  Ferry.  "  All  troops,"  wrote 


12  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

Washington,  "  must  be  held  in  readiness  to  move 
at  short  notice.'' 

Andre*,  the  self-confessed  spy,  had  been  re 
moved  under  an  escort  of  Major  Tallmadge's 
dragoons  to  strongly  guarded  quarters  in  the  "  76 
Stone  House"  at  Tappan.  That  the  Commander- 
in-Chief  feared  he  might  escape  through  the  assist 
ance  of  unsuspected  traitors  in  the  American  lines 
was  shown  by  the  order  given  to  Colonel  Scam- 
mel,  adjutant-general  of  the  Continental  army. 
In  addition  to  the  regular  sentries  posted  around 
the  "  House  "  two  officers  with  drawn  swords 
were  kept  constantly  in  the  room  with  the  pris 
oner,  and  others,  trusted  men,  stationed  in  the 
hallway  without. 

Great  was  the  tension  of  suspense  pervading  the 
Colonial  ranks  at  the  close  of  that  momentous 
September  day,  in  the  war  of  the  colonies  against 
the  British  Crown.  Small  wonder  then  that  a 
stranger  riding  through  the  country  bordering  on 
New  York  should  be  regarded  with  suspicion, 
and  that  many  among  the  Americans  constituted 
themselves  a  Paulding,  Van  Wart,  or  Williams, 
on  the  lookout  to  discover  in  each  seemingly 
peaceful  traveler  one  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton's  spies. 

It  was  during  this  trying  period  in  the  history 
of  the  Colonies,  that,  after  landing  at  Philadelphia, 
I  set  out  for  the  headquarters  of  General  Wash 
ington,  where  I  doubted  little  that  I  should  find 
the  Vicomte  le  Mans,  or  learn  something  con 
cerning  him.  Early  in  the  afternoon,  when  rid 
ing  on  the  road  which,  passing  through  the  Jer 
seys  leads  to  Tappan,  I  was  halted  by  a  detach 
ment  of  those  same  dragoons,  who,  two  days 
previous  had  escorted  Major  Andre  to  his  prison 
within  the  American  camp. 


A   GENTLEMAN   OF   FRANCE.  13 

I  was  clad  in  a  dress  half  military,  half  civilian, 
the  whole  covered  by  a  gray  cloak  which  in  a 
measure  concealed  the  gold  hilt  of  the  saber 
hanging  at  my  side.  That  I  was  not  of  the 
Colonies  was  apparent,  for,  being  bred  amid  the 
splendors  of  the  proudest  court  in  Europe,  there 
was,  perchance  about  my  carriage  more  of  the 
polished  courtier  than  my  dress  and  position 
called  for. 

The  horsemen  who  surrounded  me  numbered 
perhaps  half  a  score,  and  I  could  but  illy  conceal 
my  admiration  at  their  well-accoutered  figures, 
martial  bearing  and  excellent  horsemanship. 

"  Friend,"  said  I,  saluting  gravely  one  whom  I 
perceived  bore  the  rank  of  captain,  "  it  is  a  mat 
ter  of  some  moment  that  I  reach  ere  nightfall  the 
headquarters  of  your  general  ;  can  you  direct  me 
thither  ?  " 

The  request  rendered  with  all  the  sang  froid  I 
could  command,  nonplused  for  a  moment  the 
leader  of  the  troopers,  so  that  he  let  go  his  hold 
upon  my  bridle-rein. 

"  'Tis  first  necessary,"  said  he,  "  that  you 
account  for  your  presence,  an  armed  stranger 
within  the  American  outposts." 

I  bowed  courteously.  "  The  request  is  a  fit 
ting  one,"  replied  I,  "  I  am  Henri  de  Marc,  and 
but  lately  arrived  from  France  ;  my  errand  hither 
is  to  deliver  a  message  from  his  Majesty  Louis 
XVI.  to  the  Vicomte  le  Mans,  who,  we  have  rea 
son  to  believe,  is  in  the  service  of  General  Wash 
ington." 

This  explanation  given  without  constraint,  yet 
in  a  tone  into  which  I  threw  some  degree  of 
haughtiness,  altered  instantly  the  demeanor  ot 
the  soldiers. 


14  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

"  There  is  little  reason  to  doubt  the  word  of  a 
French  gentleman,"  replied  the  captain,  "  yet, 
'tis  the  order  of  my  superiors,  that  should  any  one 
unknown  to  me  or  to  those  of  my  command  be 
found  in  proximity  to  our  lines,  he  be  straight 
way  conducted  to  headquarters,  where  are  those 
who  shall  judge  the  reason  of  his  errand  hither. 
As  a  soldier  I  am  therefore " 

"Enough  !  "  I  replied.  "It  is  my  pleasure  to 
accompany  you.  Am  I  then  your  prisoner?" 

The  captain  made  a  gesture  of  protest. 

"  Nay  !  "  said  I.  "I  warrant  that  the  unset 
tled  state  of  the  times  makes  orders  necessary, 
which  as  a  soldier  you  must  obey.  Yet  you  may 
further  my  errand  by  recalling  to  memory  whether 
the  Vicomte  le  Mans  be  among  the  officers  of 
your  army." 

The  dragoon  shook  his  head.  ' '  I  do  not  recall 
the  name,  but  it  may  be  so  ;  General  Washington 
has  but  lately  returned  from  Hartford,  accom 
panied  by  the  Marquis  Lafayette  ;  the  Vicomte — " 

My  heart  bounded  at  his  words.  "  Lafayette 
here?"  I  cried  joyfully.  "Then  indeed  will  I 
learn  something  of  Edouard.  Conduct  me,  I  pray 
you,  with  all  speed  to  headquarters,  that  I  may 
see  the  Marquis  as  soon  as  possible." 

At  a  word  from  their  leader  the  dragoons  fell 
in  behind  me,  and  the  cavalcade  moved  at  a  can 
ter  in  the  direction  of  Tappan,  where  lay  en 
camped  the  army  of  the  Colonies. 

Upon  entering  the  lines  I  was  struck  with  the 
orderliness  of  the  soldiery.  Here  and  there  were 
groups  seated  before  their  quarters,  who  turned 
inquisitive  eyes  upon  the  newcomers,  and  upon  the 
stranger  who  rode  unconcernedly  by  their  lead 
er's  side.  At  a  little  distance  from  the  road  a 


A   GENTLEMAN    OF    FRANCE.  15 

company  of  raw  militia  was  being  drilled,  their 
uncouth  movements  in  strong  contrast  to  the 
regiment  of  regulars,  whose  ranks  deployed 
across  a  field,  beyond  which  lay  the  headquarters 
of  the  commanding  general. 

As  the  scouting  party  approached  the  vicinity 
of  the  house  occupied  by  General  Washington,  a 
group  of  officers  standing  before  the  entrance 
raised  their  eyes  inquiringly. 

"  Major,"  said  one,  turning  to  a  youthful  sol 
dier,  "  those  dragoons  of  yours  imbibe  the  spirit 
of  their  leader.  Yonder  they  come  with  the  spoils 
of  war,  in  the  guise  of  a  dignified  gentleman,  who, 
I  venture  to  assert,  does  scarce  appreciate  the 
honor  of  being  escorted  by  so  gallant  a  company." 

The  officer  addressed  turned  toward  the  leader 
of  the  party,  who,  having  left  his  command  at  a 
respectful  distance,  was  approaching  on  foot, 
leading  his  charger  by  the  bridle. 

"  What  now,  brings  you  in  such  haste  to  head 
quarters  ?  "  asked  he  sharply. 

The  dragoon  explained  his  errand,  pointing  to 
me  as  I  sat  impassively  in  the  saddle. 

"A  Frenchman  !  "  exclaimed  the  Major,  "  say 
you  he  seeks  the  Marquis  Lafayette  ?  " 

Bidding  the  dragoon  await  him  he  entered  the 
house  returning  with  a  second  officer,  aid-de 
camp  to  General  Lafayette.  Together  they  ap 
proached  me,  and  perceiving  their  rank  I  saluted 
gravely. 

"I  am  told,"  said  Major  Tallmadge,  for  'twas 
he  who  commanded  the  dragoons,  "  that  you  are 
but  late  from  France,  and  seek  the  Marquis  Lafay 
ette.  This  gentleman,  Major  McHenry,  being 
aid-de-camp  to  that  nobleman,  you  may,  perhaps, 
state  your  errand  to  him." 


l6  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

I  bowed.  "I  am  known  to  the  Marquis/'  re 
plied  I  haughtily,  "therefore  the  name  of  De 
Marc,  or  the  Vicomte  le  Mans  will  doubtless  gain 
for  me  the  desired  audience." 

Before  the  others  could  reply  there  was  a  move 
ment  among  the  officers  at  the  entrance  of  the 
headquarters,  and  looking  in  that  direction  I  per 
ceived  a  youthful  figure  standing  on  the  threshold. 
It  was  Lafayette,  who,  having  been  in  consulta 
tion  with  General  Washington,  was  about  to  leave 
him. 

At  sight  of  the  well-known  figure  an  exclama 
tion  in  French  escaped  my  lips  ;  it  reached  the 
ears  of  the  Marquis. 

Turning  in  surprise  he  fixed  his  eyes  for  an  in 
stant  upon  me,  then,  exclaiming:  "'tis  DeMarc, 
and  in  America  !  "  hurried  to  my  side. 

Had  any  doubt  remained  in  the  minds  of  the 
American  officers  as  to  the  integrity  of  my  story, 
it  vanished  before  our  greeting.  Filled  with  joy 
ful  surprise  that  one  should  be  present  with  him 
in  the  flesh,  whom  he  supposed  was  at  the  Court 
of  Louis  XVI.,  Lafayette  extended  to  me  a  true 
Frenchman's  welcome.  As  to  myself,  springing 
lightly  from  the  saddle,  I  clasped  the  Marquis's 
hands  in  both  my  own,  with  all  the  fervor  of  a 
long-absent  comrade. 

"Allans!"  cried  Lafayette,  "'tis  indeed  a 
happy  moment  which  comes  to  me.  Has  the 
Count  then  relented  so  quickly,  and  the  Vicomte 
— ?  I  saw  none  of  you  during  my  late  visit  to 
France." 

I  replied  eagerly,  relating  briefly  the  causes 
which  brought  me  to  America.  Then,  anxiously  : 
"  Have  you  not  seen  Edouard?" 

The  Marquis  shook  his  head  :     "I  thought  him 


A   GENTLEMAN    OF   FRANCE.  I/ 

in  France,"  said  he,  "if  he  is  in  America  I  know 
nothing  concerning  him.  Yet  you  say  he  came 
before  you  ? " 

A  troubled  foreboding  filled  my  heart.  "  He  is 
not  with  you,"  I  cried,  "yet  it  is  six  weeks  since 
he  was  last  in  Paris  ;  if  aught  of  ill  has  befallen 
him,  then  will  the  Count,  his  father " 

Lafayette  interrupted.  "Come  !  "said he,  "  we 
may  yet  learn  something  of  him.  Perchance  he 
is  in  Philadelphia,  or  among  the  troops  in  New 
England.  America  is  large,  and  there  are  many 
obstacles  between  the  sea-coast  and  our  camp." 

Then,  turning  to  the  American  officers  who  had 
withdrawn  to  a  little  distance:  "Major  Tall- 
madge,  and  you,  McHenry,  I  would  present  to 
you  M.  de  Marc,  a  friend  of  my  boyhood,  and  a 
gentleman  of  the  Court  of  France.  I  doubt  not 
it  is  in  his  heart  to  draw  sword  for  the  cause  of 
liberty." 

"And 'tis  for  me  to  apologize,"  replied  Tall- 
madge,  "that  through  the  orders  issued  by  his 
Excellency,  it  became  necessary  for  certain  of  my 
command 

I  smiled  and  extended  my  hand  to  the  Ameri 
cans.  "Nay,  "said  I,  "it  was  but  as  an  escort 
that  the  dragoons  accompanied  me  hither." 

Thus,  having,  with  what  delicacy  I  could, 
waived  aside  any  idea  that  I  might  have  con 
sidered  myself  discourteously  treated,  I  went 
with  Lafayette  to  be  presented  to  General 
Washington. 

The  light-hearted  Marquis  had  ever  been  a 
favorite  with  the  Commander-in-Chief,  so  upon 
entering  the  headquarters  of  the  latter,  he  led  me 
without  undue  formality  into  the  presence  of  the 
General,  who,  seated  beside  a  table  covered  with 


1 8  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

papers,  was  thoughtfully  examining  a  letter  re 
ceived  a  few  minutes  before  from  the  prisoner 
Andre. 

He  was  habitually  grave,  and  endowed  by 
nature  with  a  presence  of  calm  dignity,  but  the 
danger  to  the  cause  so  near  his  heart,  which  had 
been  so  narrowly  averted,  and  the  betrayal  of 
trust  by  one  of  his  most  valued  officers,  sat  heavily 
upon  the  commander  of  the  Continental  armies. 

It  was  into  the  presence  of  a  troubled,  sad-faced 
man  that  Lafayette  ushered  me.  At  the  unexpect 
ed  reappearance  of  the  Marquis  who  had  but  just 
left  his  side,  Washington  raised  his  eyes  q.uestion- 
ingly. 

"Ah,  Marquis!  "said  he  pleasantly,  "  have  you 
then  returned  so  soon  to  complain  that  the  lunch 
eon 

"Your  Excellency  will  pardon  me,"  replied 
Lafayette,  ' '  that  I  again  venture  to  disturb " 

A  grave  smile  crossed  the  features  of  the  Gen 
eral.  "  You  are  ever  welcome,  my  dear  Marquis, " 
said  he  sincerely,  "and  your  return  is  most  op 
portune."  Then,  noting  my  presence,  for  I  had 
remained  in  the  shadow  of  the  doorway,  he  arose 
from  his  seat,  the  hand  holding  the  letter  resting 
lightly  upon  the  table. 

"It  is  a  pleasure  to  present  to  your  Excel 
lency,"  replied  Lafayette,  "  a  friend  and  country 
man,  M.  Henri  de  Marc,  who  has  within  the 
week,  arrived  from  the  Court  of  France." 

Washington  with  an  effort  threw  off  the  cloud 
which  rested  upon  his  spirits. 

"  M.  de  Marc  is  welcome,"  said  he  courte 
ously,  and  his  eyes  lighted  with  one  of  those  be 
nevolent  smiles  which  frequently  softened  his 
aspect  of  calm  seriousness.  "Your  countrymen 


A    GENTLEMAN    OF    FRANCE.  19 

are  ever  welcome,  Marquis,  particularly  one  who 
possesses  your  confidence." 

"  M.  de  Marc  has  come  to  America  to  fulfill  a 
mission  entrusted  to  him  by  his  patron,  the 
Count  le  Mans,"  replied  Lafayette,  "yet  I  doubt 
not  when  his  errand  is  accomplished,  he  will 
consider  it  an  honor  to  proffer  his  services  to 
your  Excellency." 

Washing-ton  bowed. 

"And  the  service  will  be  honored  to  receive 
his  sword.  You  will  doubtless  see  to  it,  Mar 
quis,  that  M.  de  Marc  receives  every  attention. 
Let  him  lack  nothing  at  your  hands." 

Youthful,  enthusiastic,  a  lover  of  chivalry,  and 
an  ardent  admirer  of  the  American  leader.  I 
could  but  inadequately  express  my  appreciation 
of  the  welcome  extended  to  me,  a  stranger.  I 
comprehended  in  a  degree,  the  greatness  of  this 
man,  a  feeling  with  which  Washington  inspired 
all  who  met  him.  After  a  courteous  salute,  I 
left  his  presence  to  accompany  Lafayette  to  his 
headquarters,  and  within  me  arose  a  renewed 
desire  to  serve  under  so  renowned  a  leader,  the 
cause  of  the  Colonies;  nor  would  it  tend  to  lan 
guish  under  the  stimulating  spirits  of  the  youth 
ful  and  enthusiastic  Lafayette. 


20  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 


CHAPTER  II. 

CONCERNING    A    FAMOUS   SPY. 

THE  events  following  the  capture  of  the  British 
spy,  John  Andre",  culminated  on  the  third  day 
after  my  arrival  in  the  American  camp.  The 
second  of  October  opened  clear  and  cloudless, 
but  an  atmosphere  of  gloom  pervaded  the  Conti 
nental  lines.  It  was  the  day  fixed  by  General 
Washington,  for  the  execution  of  the  sentence 
imposed  upon  the  youthful  prisoner  by  the  board 
of  officers  chosen  to  determine  his  fate. 

On  every  side  were  heard  expressions  of  sym 
pathy  for  the  doomed  man.  Had  it  been  within 
the  power  of  Washington  consistently  to  set 
aside  the  verdict  of  the  court,  the  sentence  of 
death  would  have  been  mitigated.  Of  that  I  re 
ceived  the  assurance  of  Lafayette.  The  prospec 
tive  event  had  stirred  the  American  nation  to  its 
center,  and  eager  to  make  myself  acquainted 
with  the  workings  of  the  Colonial  army,  I  ex 
pressed  a  desire  to  be  present  at  the  execution. 

Washington,  Lafayette  and  others  in  com 
mand,  preferred  to  remain  in  their  own  quarters 
during  the  hour  set  apart  for  the  carrying  out  of 
the  sentence,  and  it  was  with  Major  McHenry 
therefore,  that  shortly  after  the  hour  of  noon,  I 
found  myself  near  the  spot  where  was  erected 
the  fatal  gibbet.  The  place  was  thronged  by  an 
immense  crowd  of  soldiers,  civilians  and  farmers 


CONCERNING   A   FAMOUS   SPY.  21 

many  of  whom  had  driven  miles  that  they  might 
witness  the  death  of  him  who  was  to  have  con 
summated  the  treason  of  Arnold.  On  all  sides 
I  heard  expressions  of  regret  that  he  himself  was 
not  there,  to  pay  the  penalty  of  his  attempt  to 
betray  the  nation's  fortress  into  the  hands  of  the 
red-coats. 

"  It  is  well,"  said  I  turning  to  McHenry,  "  that 
your  treacherous  officer  is  safe  within  the  English 
lines  ;  the  rage  of  a  betrayed  people  is  terrible." 

The  Major  nodded  grimly.  "The  gallows 
would  be  cheated,"  replied  he  shortly,  "were 
Arnold  here,  he  would  not  live  to  reach  it.  There 
is  in  the  hearts  of  our  people  a  sentiment,  that 
nothing  can  excuse  infidelity  to  trust,  even  were 
it  in  less  perilous  times  than  these." 

The  appearance  of  Andre",  walking  arm  in  arm 
between  two  subaltern  officers,  caused  silence  to 
fall  upon  the  multitude.  It  was  as  though  a 
mighty  shadow  swept  over  them,  shutting  out  the 
brightness  from  above.  Standing  beside  the  gal 
lows  I  gazed  with  curiosity  upon  the  unfortunate 
man,  who  was  so  soon  to  suffer  for  his  midnight 
mission  within  the  Continental  lines. 

The  countenance  of  the  condemned  was  serene 
in  the  extreme  as  he  passed  with  uplifted  head 
between  the  lines.  Dressed  in  the  full  uniform  of 
a  British  officer,  his  bearing  alert  and  active,  he 
was  in  striking  contrast  to  the  spectators,  upon 
whose  faces  had  settled  deep  gloom  and  sadness. 
Indeed  had  a  stranger,  not  knowing  the  cause, 
watched  the  procession  to  the  scaffold,  he  might 
have  taken  as  the  condemned,  Major  Tallmadge, 
who  accompanied  the  prisoner,  rather  than  the 
intrepid  Andre*. 

It  was  not  until  he  came  within  sijrht  of  the 


22  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

terrible  framework  erected,  that  his  courage  in  a 
measure  failed.  Having  earnestly  requested  of 
General  Washington  that  he  be  shot,  instead  of 
meeting  his  death  after  the  manner  of  a  common 
criminal,  although  receiving  no  response,  he  had 
dismissed  from  his  mind  the  dread  fear. 

When  therefore  his  eye  caught  sight  of  the 
gallows,  Andre"  started  and  I,  who  was  close  at 
his  side,  noted  that  his  lips  moved  convulsively. 

"Am  I  not  then  to  die  the  death  of  a  soldier  ?  " 
he  asked  of  his  escort  in  a  tremulous  tone. 

Upon  being  informed  that  it  was  not  so  to  be, 
he  clenched  his  hands,  murmuring  in  a  scarcely 
perceptible  voice:  '"My  fate  is  indeed  a  hard 
one,  yet  it  will  soon  be  over." 

From  that  moment  a  nervousness  seized  him  ; 
his  throat  moved  in  vain  efforts  to  swallow,  and 
with  the  toe  of  his  boot  he  rolled  aside  a  stone 
which  lay  at  his  feet.  Lifting  his  eyes  he  met 
my  gaze  fixed  upon  his  face. 

"  'Twill  soon  be  over,"  he  repeated  in  a  natural 
voice,  "  'tis  but  a  pang.'' 

"Yes,"  replied  I,  moved  to  pity  at  the  other's 
fortitude,  "  death  will  come  quickly." 

Andre  bowed  his  head,  then  hesitating  but  an 
instant,  stepped  into  the  wagon  waiting  to  re 
ceive  him. 

"The  man's  nerve  is  wonderful,"  whispered 
McHenry,  "see  he  is  himself  placing  the  noose 
about  his  neck." 

The  condemned  spy  was  indeed  becoming  in 
part  his  own  executioner.  Having  adjusted  the 
fatal  rope,  he  calmly  drew  from  his  breast  a  hand 
kerchief  with  which  he  covered  his  eyes.  Being 
addressed  by  an  officer,  he  produced  a  second 
with  which  his  arms  were  bound. 


CONCERNING  A   FAMOUS   SPY.  23 

A  deathlike  stillness  pervaded  the  entire  camp  ; 
the  lips  of  the  condemned  moved  : 

"I  pray  you  to  bear  witness  that  I  die  like  a 
brave  man,"  said  he  aloud,  then  raised  his  hands 
as  a  signal  that  he  was  ready. 

The  wagon  passed  from  under  him,  the  body 
turning  slowly  until  it  faced  me.  I  clutched  Mc- 
Henry's  arm.  "See,"  I  whispered,  "there  is  no 
struggle.  He  was  indeed  a  brave  man  !  " 

Half  an  hour  later  returning  to  Lafayette's 
headquarters,  I  found  the  Marquis  pacing  rest 
lessly  up  and  down  his  narrow  apartment. 

"Come!"  said  he,  as  I  presented  myself. 
"Andre'  is  dead  and  a  painful  suspense  ended; 
we  can  now  turn  our  attention  to  your  affairs. 
Inquiry  so  far  has  failed  to  bring  to  light  anything 
concerning  the  Vicomte." 

Oppressed  by  the  scene  I  had  but  lately  wit 
nessed,  I  sank  into  a  chair. 

"I  do  not  know  which  way  to  turn,"  said  I 
dejectedly,  •'  that  Edouard  has  not  sought  you 
has  baffled  my  plans.  Can  he  have  fallen  into 
the  hands  of  the  English  ?  " 

"  Tis  scarcely  possible,"  replied  Lafayette, 
"and  beside,  the  Vicomte  is  not  a  combatant. 
He  has  doubtless  been  detained." 

"  Then  ?  "  I  ventured. 

The  Marquis  took  a  turn  about  the  room.  "  I 
have  explained  your  mission  to  General  Washing 
ton,  "said  he  stopping,  "and  his  Excellency  has 
directed  me  to  take  such  steps  as  I  may  consider 
wise.  I  have  formed  a  plan  which  may  succeed." 

My  face  lightened. 

"Under  my  command,"  continued  Lafayette, 
"is  an  old  soldier,  one,  John  Clark,  of  whom  I 
have  taken  much  note,  and  I  doubt  not  he  will 


24  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

consent  to  assist  you.  Would  it  not  be  wise  that 
you  first  visit  Hartford,  where  you  will  find  cer 
tain  officers  attached  to  Rochambeau's  command  ? 
It  is  quite  possible  that  if  the  Vicomte  landed  in 
America,  he  joined  the  French  forces  now  in  New 
England.  You  are,  however,  a  stranger  to  the 
country,  and  the  companionship  of  an  American 
will  prove  of  service  ;  to  that  end  I  have  selected 
Clark,  who  is  a  man  of  much  rough  intelligence, 
and  eminently  trustworthy." 

I  grasped  his  hand. 

' '  You  are  indeed  a  noble  friend,"  cried  I,  "  and 
the  Count  will  keenly  appreciate  your  efforts  in 
his  behalf." 

Lafayette  smiled.  "Tis  nothing,"  said  he 
lightly,  "  and  indeed  great  pleasure  to  assist  you. 
When  the  fortunate  errand  which  brought  you 
here  is  happily  accomplished,  the  hope  lies  deep 
within  my  heart  that  you  may  become  a  com 
patriot.  America  has  urgent  need  of  such  swords 
as  yours." 

"I  have  already  decided,"  I  cried  enthusiasti 
cally,  "  when  my  duty  to  the  Count  is  fulfilled,  I 
shall  return  and  offer  my  services  to  General 
Washington." 

"Ah!"  cried  Lafayette,  "may  your  work  be 
accomplished  speedily  ;  I  will  at  once  summon 
your  guide." 

Scarce  ten  minutes  elapsed  ere  Sergeant  Clark 
entered  the  apartment.  About  fifty  years  of  age, 
he  was  a  typical  representative  of  the  Colonial 
regular.  Reared  amid  the  forests  of  northern 
New  York,  close  upon  the  border  of  the  great  lake, 
from  boyhood  he  had  known  the  perils  of  Indian 
warfare,  for  the  unsettled  state  of  the  country  had 
been  a  constant  source  of  danger  to  the  border 


CONCERNING   A   FAMOUS   SPY.  2$ 

settlers.  Surviving  the  French  and  Indian  War, 
in  which  he  had  been  an  active  participant,  he 
threw  himself  into  the  struggle  for  liberty  against 
the  British  Crown,  without  thought  of  remunera 
tion,  content  to  be  where  conflict  raged  the  hot 
test.  Standing  six  feet  in  his  ranger's  uniform, 
the  open  countenance  and  easy  bearing  of  the 
man  attracted  on  the  instant  my  admiration. 
Straight  as  an  Indian,  with  clear  cut,  bronzed 
features,  an  eye  dark  and  piercing,  John  Clark 
represented  in  his  person  the  true  sons  of  liberty, 
whose  spirits  were  as  free  as  the  forest  fastnesses 
from  which  they  came. 

Lafayette  greeted  him  with  more  the  manner  of 
one  who  recognized  worth  in  loyalty,  than  as  a 
superior  both  through  birth  and  circumstances. 

"Sergeant,"  said  he,  returning  Clark's  salute, 
''his  Excellency  has  requested  me  to  send  a 
man  from  my  command  to  accompany  M.  de 
Marc  on  a  mission  which  has  brought  him  to 
America." 

The  stern  lines  about  the  soldier's  mouth  re 
laxed. 

"  I  am  ready  to  do  your  Lordship's  pleasure," 
replied  he,  "  even  though  the  lesson  of  the  morn 
ing " 

Lafayette  raised  his  hand.  "Speak  not  of  that," 
said  he.  "  M.  de  Marc  seeks  a  French  nobleman 
whom  he  believes  to  be  in  America, the  necessity 
having  arisen  that  he  return  to  France.  If  there  is 
any  danger  in  the  undertaking " 

The  ranger  smiled  grimly.  "So  much  the 
better,"  said  he,  "I  am  ready." 

The  Marquis  turned  to  me.  "And  Fngland 
would  conquer  such  men,"  said  he  in  French. 
"She  little  comprehends  the  spirit  of  her  rebel- 


26  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

lious  children.  Such  are  Greene,  Stark,  Wayne 
and  a  score  of  others." 

'Twas  thus  arranged  that  I,  accompanied  by 
Sergeant  Clark,  should  leave  early  the  following 
morning.  If  the  visit  toHartford  proved  fruitless, 
our  future  movements  would  be  governed  by  cir 
cumstances  and  whatever  information  chance 
threw  in  our  way. 

It  being  thus  arranged,  Clark  returned  to  his 
company,  and  I  made  ready  to  go  with  the  Mar 
quis  to  the  headquarters  of  General  Washington. 


BOURMONT   HOUSB. 


CHAPTER  III. 

BOURMONT      HOUSE. 

SOME  two  hours  after  sunrise,  accompanied  by 
Sergeant  Clark,  I  left  the  American  encampment 
at  Tappan,  following  the  road  which  would  bring 
us  to  the  ferry  plying  between  the  west  shore  of 
the  Hudson,  and  the  hamlet  of  Tarrytown.  The 
clear  air  of  the  October  morning  banished  the  de 
pression  of  the  previous  day.  and  it  was  with  a 
feeling  of  light-heartedness  that  I  contemplated 
the  grandeur  of  God's  handiwork,  the  stretches  of 
green  hills  and  meadows  flanking  on  either  hand 
the  broad  silver  ribbon  of  the  Hudson,  which,  to 
the  northward  disappeared  beyond  the  shadow 
of  gigantic  highlands  towering  above  the  stream. 
The  ranger,  noting  my  admiration,  rode  silently 
by  my  side,  nor  did  I  venture  to  address  him  till 
we  reached  the  ferry,  a  rude  barge  used  for  the 
transportation  of  men  and  horses  across  the  river. 

Upon  reaching  the  east  shore  we  came  upon  a 
picket  who  greeted  my  companion  with  much 
show  of  friendliness. 

"  You  are  afoot  most  early,"  said  he,  "  yet  with 
but  one  companion.  Were  a  company  of  cavalry 
behind  you  something  might  be  gained  ;  the  Cow 
boys  are  beyond  the  hills. " 

"Even  so,"  replied  the  ranger,  "have  they 
then  troubled  the  neighborhood  again  ?  " 

"That   they   have,"  said   the    picket,    "'twas 


28  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

but  last  night  close  upon  sundown,  that  half  a 
score  of  the  ruffians  swooped  down  upon,  and 
plundered  several  farm-houses  five  miles  back. 
The  Skinners,  joined  to  a  handful  of  illy-armed 
farmers,  pursued  them  hotly,  but  darkness  coming 
on,  the  chase  was  fruitless." 

"  Have  they  then  gone?  "  asked  Clark  shortly. 

The  picket  shook  his  head.  "Not  they," 
growled  he,  "nor  can  they  be  so  easily  driven 
from  their  purpose.  I  warrant  that  even  now, 
having  passed  the  night  in  the  shelter  of  the 
woods  beyond  the  ridge,  they  are  planning  some 
deviltry  against  Bourmont  House." 

"And  would  they  attack  so  peaceable  a  dwell 
ing  ?  "  cried  Clark,  "  the  hospitality  of  the  place 
has  ever  been  its  security." 

The  other  laughed.  "The  Cow-boys  are  lit 
tle  known  at  Tappan,"  replied  he,  "else  would 
your  question  have  remained  unspoken,  \\hat 
care  they  for  Mistress  Bourmont  and  her  daugh 
ters?  There  is  food  for  men  and  beasts  within 
the  walls  :  family  plate,  and  perchance  certain 
gold  pieces.  As  to  the  maids,  a  Cow-boy  loves 
a  pretty  face,  and  does  but  a  door  stand  between 
him  and  a  kiss " 

"  We  ride  past  Bourmont  House,"  eagerly  inter 
rupted  my  companion,  ' '  and  it  may  be  our  fortune 
to  fall  in  with  these  ruffians.  They  were  doubt 
less  afoot  at  sunrise,  and  I  misjudge  their  tem 
per  if  they  strike  not  another  blow  before  return 
ing  to  the  lower  party. " 

"And  in  that  case?"  Tasked,  much  ^per 
plexed  at  the  conversation,  for  the  names  "Cow 
boys  "  and  "Skinners  "  were  new  to  me. 

"Why,"  replied  the  ranger,  flecking  a  fly  from 
the  flank  of  his  mare,  "  we  must  run  for  it,  hav- 


BOURMONT    HOUSE.  29 

ing  exchanged  shots  with  an  enemy  whose  num 
bers  far  exceed  our  own." 

"  Nay,"  replied  the  picket,  "in  an  hour,  if  you 
tarry  here,  the  Skinners  will 

Clark  frowned  contemptously.  "They  are  of 
the  same  breed,"  said  he,  "  and 'tis  little  I  like 
their  company."  Suiting  his  action  to  the  word 
he  set  off  at  a  brisk  canter,  I  following  in  some 
amazement. 

"Good  sir,"  said  I,  having  regained  his  side, 
"  who  are  these  ruffians  of  whom  you  speak?  " 

"  Faith  !  "  replied  he,  "I  had  forgotten  that  M. 
de  Marc  is  a  stranger  to  Westchester.  We  are 
now  in  the  country  lying  between  the  Croton 
River  on  the  north,  and  King's  Bridge  on  the 
south,  where  are  the  British  outposts  :  'tis  known 
as  the  'Neutral  ground. '  To  these  Cow-boys  and 
Skinners  the  territory  is  given  over,  roving  bands 
of  lawless  marauders  zealous  in  the  plundering 
of  farm-houses  and  defenseless  travelers.  The 
Skinners  under  pretense  of  serving  the  Colonies  ; 
the  Cow-boys  imitating  the  service  of  King 
George. " 

"But  why  are  not  these  land  pirates  held  in 
check  ? "  I  asked,  "  and  wherefore,  the  Skin 
ners,  being  Americans  like  yourself " 

The  brow  of  the  soldier  darkened.  "Were 
you  not  a  stranger,  M.  de  Marc,"  said  he,  half 
angrily,  "  you  would  scarce  confound  lawless 
marauders  with  the  soldiers  of  General  Washing 
ton.  The  ground  being  neutral  from  an  estab 
lished  custom,  'tis  given  over  to  those  who 
plunder  friend  and  foe.  The  Skinners,  not  being 
of  the  army,  are  little  to  be  trusted  by  any  fall 
ing  in  their  way,  whether  he  wear  the  red  of 
King  George,  or  the  uniform  of  the  Colonies." 


3O  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

I  expressed  surprise  that  in  the  very  midst  of 
the  contending  armies,  there  existed  a  condition 
of  such  lawlessness. 

"Be  that  as  it  may,"  replied  Clark,  "such  it  is, 
and  'twere  well  to  keep  your  pistols  handy." 

"But  what  of  this  Bourmont  House?  "  I  ven 
tured,  "the  name  is  French  ;  you  spoke  of  de 
fenseless  women  ? " 

The  ranger  knitted  his  brows.  "  As  to  the 
Bourmonts,"  said  he,  "'tis  a  family  well  known 
in  these  parts,  and  perchance  you  will  see  them 
presently."  Whereupon  he  gave  me  such  of  their 
history  as  had  come  to  his  ears,  and  much  of  it 
is  still  in  my  memory. 

Bourmont  House  had  been  the  property  of  one, 
Captain  Jean  Bourmont,  a  French  Huguenot  by 
descent,  whose  ancestors  had  for  three  genera 
tions  dwelt  and  thrived  in  America.  The  good 
Captain  was  indeed  no  more,  having  fallen  on 
the  field  of  Saratoga.  Despite  his  untimely  end, 
Fate  and  his  forefathers  had  provided  for  his 
family,  so  that  there  remained  to  it  something 
more  than  the  memory  of  the  hardy  soldier,  and 
the  sword  taken  from  his  dying  hand  by  a  com 
rade  on  the  battle-field. 

Captain  Bourmont  had  been  a  thrifty  man. 
At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  lost  his  parents, 
through  the  foundering  of  the  ancient  ferry-boat 
plying  between  Tarrytown  and  the  opposite 
shore  of  the  Hudson.  By  this  unexpected  ca 
lamity  he  had  come  into  possession  of  the  strong 
stone  structure  on  the  White  Plains'  road,  its  ad 
jacent  fields  and  woodlands,  also  a  goodly  sum 
of  gold  pieces  stored  behind  the  walls  of  a  bank 
ing  house,  whose  dingy  windows  looked  out  on 
Bowling  Green.  There  seemed  now  no  reason 


BOURMONT    HOUSE.  3! 

why  Bourmont  House  should  not  be  provided 
with  a  mistress,  and  the  desire  of  the  youth  was 
speedily  gratified.  Blessed  by  Providence  with 
a  good  wife  and  safely  invested  fortune,  he  lived 
in  happiness  until  at  the  age  of  fifty-five  he  fell  be 
fore  the  fire  of  a  British  grenadier,  and  left  sur 
viving  him,  the  mistress  of  Bourmont  House,  and 
four  children  to  weep  over  the  paternal  saber 
left  at  their  door  by  a  crippled  Continental. 

Of  the  fifth  generation  of  the  American  Bour- 
monts,  the  two  sons  had  enrolled  themselves 
under  the  command  of  General  Washington  dur 
ing  the  early  years  of  the  war.  There  remained 
two  daughters,  Constance  and  Josephine,  who,  • 
with  Madame  Bourmont  occupied  the  ancestral 
homestead.  Though  the  times  were  troublous, 
and  the  region  in  which  they  lived  overrun  with 
marauders,  the  three  gentle  women,  guarded 
only  by  two  male  servants,  feared  little  at  the 
hands  of  the  border  chivalry.  Born  of  a  race  to 
whom  gallantry  was  an  inherent  virtue,  their 
house  was  ever  open  for  the  dispensing  of  hos 
pitality,  nor  was  charity  lacking. 

Reared  in  a.  region  which  for  four  years  had 
been  the  scene  of  bloodshed,  the  two  girls  had 
acquired  a  fortitude  unknown  in  their  earlier 
years.  To  the  sturdy  common  sense  inherited 
from  their  father,  was  added  a  gentleness  of  dis 
position,  which  drew  toward  them  even  those 
rougher  spirits  whose  will  was  their  only  law, 
and  to  whom  the  circumstance  of  war  had  given 
unbridled  license  for  depredations.  Difficult 
would  it  have  been  for  any,  whose  intimacy  took 
them  frequently  to  Bourmont  House,  to  award 
the  "  golden  apple  "  to  either  of  the  two  ;  suitors 
they  had  in  plenty,  and  among  the  British  officers 


32  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

stationed  at  New  York,  was  one  who  carried  next 
his  heart  the  fair  face  of  Constance  in  miniature. 
The  war  had  rudely  interrupted  his  wooing,  nor 
would  her  loyalty  to  her  father's  cause  permit  of 
its  continuation,  until  the  land  was  at  peace 
once  more.  Such  was  the  family  living  here, 
on  the  morning  following  the  execution  of  Major 
Andre. 

We  had  ridden  perhaps  three  miles  and  were 
approaching  the  vicinity  of  Bourmont  House,  a 
substantial  stone  structure  standing  somewhat 
back  from  the  road  which  runs  from  Tarrytown 
to  White  Plains,  when  the  Continental  suddenly 
pulled  up  his  horse.  At  the  same  instant  there 
appeared  at  the  bend  of  the  road,  some  fifty  rods 
ahead,  a  rustic,  riding  at  breakneck  speed  a  steed 
without  saddle  or  bridle  ;  catching  sight  of  us  he 
checked  his  animal  by  tugging  furiously  at  its 
mane. 

"To  the  rescue!  Good  gentlemen,  to  the 
rescue  ! "  shouted  he,  uplifting  his  hands  in  a 
gesture  of  entreaty. 

"What  now?"  growled  the  ranger  with  dif 
ficulty  curbing  his  horse,  which,  frightened  at  the 
other's  antics,  threatened  to  pitch  its  rider  into  the 
bushes.  "  To  whose  rescue  ?  " 

"To  Mistress  Bourmont  and  her  daughters  !  " 
cried  the  rustic,  "if  they  be  not  dead,  or  carried 
off— 

"'Tis  then  the  Cow-boys  !  "  cried  Clark  reach 
ing  toward  his  holsters,  "  and  at  Bourmont  House  ! 
Yet  your  fright  has  magnified  the  danger  ;  a  few 
pigs  and  a  cow  or  two  will " 

"Not  so,"  cried  the  rider,  who,  having  re 
gained  something  of  his  courage  and  breath,  spoke 
more  coherently.  "  They  are  drunk  with  cider 


BOURMONT    HOUSE.  33 

stolen  from  Farmer  Quinn's  cellar,  and  would  do 
the  women  injury.  To  the  rescue,  therefore, 
while  I  alarm  the  neighbors  !  "  Striking  his  knees 
against  the  sides  of  the  nag  he  hurried  past,  cov 
ering  us  with  a  cloud  of  dust. 

An  oath  arose  to  the  ranger's  lips.  "  Tis  in 
deed  time  to  act,'7  said  he,  "  having  filled  them 
selves  with  drink  the  ruffians  will  know  no 
bounds  ;  but  you " 

"  To  Bourmont  House  by  all  means,"  I  replied, 
gathering  up  the  reins,  "  if  women  be  in  danger 
it  were  small  courtesy  to  our  manhood  to  tarry 
here. " 

Clark  nodded  in  approval.  "  Forward,  then  !  " 
cried  he,  "  'tis  scarce  a  mile  to  the  homestead.'' 
And  plunging  his  spurs  into  the  horse's  flanks  he 
set  off  at  a  mad  gallop. 

Bourmont  House  stood  some  two  hundred 
paces  back  from  the  main  highway,  in  the  center 
of  a  shady  grove  of  elms  and  maples,  while  be 
yond  stretched  a  broad  field  flanked  by  the  rocky 
hills  which  form  the  backbone  of  Westchester 
county.  Having  come  within  sight  of  the  dwell 
ing,  the  ranger  pulled  up  his  horse. 

"  It  would  be  folly  to  attack  them  from  the 
front,  where  an  enemy  is  most  expected."  said 
he,  "let  us,  therefore,  leave  our  animals,  and  on 
foot  gain  the  rear  of  the  house,  unperceived. " 

Hastily  dismounting  we  fastened  our  horses  to 
a  tree,  removed  the  pistols  from  the  holsters,  and 
plunged  with  as  little  noise  as  possible  into  the 
underbrush.  A  run  of  five  hundred  yards  brought 
us  to  the  tall  hedge  which  flanked  the  garden  be 
hind  the  gray  stone  edifice.  Having  reached  this 
shelter,  Clark  paused  to  regain  his  breath.  "  They 
are  yonder. "  said  he,  pointing  to  an  opening  in  the 


34  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

grove  before  the  house.  "Ten  crowding  about 
the  door,  and  two  on  guard  over  the  horses." 

I  looked  in  the  direction  indicated. 

Before  the  door  of  Bourmont  House  the  Cow 
Boys,  half  drunk  with  stolen  cider,  clamored  for 
admission.  From  the  window  above  a  woman 
was  speaking  to  the  motley  gang,  but  so  great  was 
the  distance  we  could  not  hear  her  words. 

Suddenly  there  was  a  shout  from  the  maraud 
ers,  followed  by  a  musket  shot,  upon  which  the 
speaker  at  the  window  hastily  withdrew. 

"They  have  murdered  her,"  I  cried,  "  let  us 
fall  upon  them." 

"Clark  caught  me  by  the  shoulder.  "Not 
yet."  said  he,  "  we  must  first  gain  the  shelter  of 
the  wall,"  and  thrusting  his  pistols  into  his  belt, 
he  dropped  upon  his  hands  and  knees,  crawling 
Indian  fashion  along  the  ground  toward  a  point 
where  an  angle  of  the  house  might  be  gained  un- 
perceived  by  those  in  front. 

Unfamiliar  with  the  manner  of  forest  warfare, 
I  gazed  upon  the  prostrate  figure  of  my  companion 
in  astonishment,  but  perceiving  that  he  was  fast 
leaving  me,  I  too  fell  upon  my  stomach  imitating 
his  example. 

The  discharge  of  the  musket  before  the  house 
was  followed  by  another  savage  outburst  on  the 
part  of  the  Cow-boys,  and  a  furious  onset  was 
made  against  the  heavy  oaken  door.  The  noise 
of  the  attack  quickened  our  movements.  Just 
then,  above  the  tumult  sounded  a  second  and  a 
third  shot,  and  two  puffs  of  smoke  floated  from 
the  open  window  above  the  doorway. 

"Good  !  "  muttered  the  ranger  raising  himself 
on  his  elbow,  "  the  house  must  be  defended." 

A  cry  of  agony  from  one  of  the  Cow-boys  who 


BOURMONT    HOUSE.  35 

was  battering  at  the  door  followed  the  second 
shot  from  the  window  ;  a  musket  ball  had  pierced 
his  breast  and  stretched  him  lifeless  on  the  ground. 

The  cry  of  the  stricken  man  was  followed  by  a 
fusillade  from  his  companions,  when,  the  contents 
of  their  guns  being  exhausted,  they  withdrew  to 
escape  a  third  discharge  from  the  defenders.  For 
five  minutes  all  remained  silent,  during  which 
time  Clark  and  I  gained  the  angle  of  the  wall,  and 
crouched  down  within  pistol-shot  of  the  space 
before  the  door. 

Having  consulted  with  his  fellows,  the  leader 
of  the  Cow-boys  advanced  toward  the  house  hold 
ing  aloft  a  white  handkerchief. 

"  It  would  be  best  for  you  to  surrender  quickly," 
cried  he,  addressing  the  open  window,  "  we  are 
but  the  advance  guard  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton's 
army  who  have  this  night  marched  into  West- 
chester.  Unbar  the  door  or  no  quarter  will  be 
granted  you." 

"And  what  security,"  replied  a  voice  from 
within,  "  have  we,  that  this  is  not  a  trap  to  place 
us  in  your  power?  " 

"  This  !  "  cried  the  Cow-boy,   "  that " 

A  sharp  report  followed  by  a  puff  of  smoke  at 
the  angle  of  the  house,  turned  his  words  into  a 
death  rattle,  and  dropping  the  handkerchief  he 
fell  halfway  between  his  companions  and  the 
doorway. 

"Liar!"  muttered  Clark,  cooly  reloading  his 
pistol,  "  In  this  way  he  would  deceive  three  help 
less  women.  Stand  ready,  M.  de  Marc,  to  pick 
off  the  first  who  shows  himself  ;  if  not  surprised 
from  the  flank,  we  are  well  fortified." 

So  quick  had  been  his  action,  that  not  only  the 
enemy,  but  I  also,  scarce  comprehended  what 


36  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

had  happened,  yet,  I  leveled  my  pistol  toward 
the  spot  where  were  gathered  the  remaining  Cow 
boys. 

"We  must  be  on  the  watch  for  the  unbarring 
of  the  rear  door,"  continued  the  ranger,  "per 
chance  those  inside 

He  interrupted  himself  with  another  shot.  One 
of  the  Cow-boys  had  exposed  a  portion  of  his  per 
son  from  behind  a  tree  and  the  Continental's 
bullet  tore  away  the  bark  not  two  inches  from  the 
mark. 

I  uttered  an  exclamation.  "I  saw  no  one," 
said  I,  "  yet  you  fired." 

My  companion  laughed.  "  It  is  perhaps  a  gift," 
he  chuckled,  "  and  I  presume  you  have  but  scant 
knowledge  of  the  Indian — Ah  !  " 

The  exclamation  was  caused  by  a  sudden 
movement  on  the  part  of  the  enemy.  Recovered 
from  its  surprise,  the  party  had  divided  and  the 
ranger  had  seen  several  dark  forms  running 
through  the  woods  that  a  flank  movement  might 
be  carried  out. 

Scarce  a  minute  elapsed  before  a  ringing  re 
port  and  the  thud  of  a  bullet  against  the  stones 
above  my  head  warned  me  that  one,  at  least,  of 
the  enemy  had  gained  his  point. 

"We  are  in  a  trap, "  cried  I,  "let  us  fight  in 
the  open  ! " 

"Down!"  shouted  my  companion  discharg 
ing  his  pistols  in  the  direction  of  the  fence. 
"  We  lie  upon  the  ground  and  they  must  expose 
themselves  to  reach  us." 

At  the  same  instant  two  reports  mingling  into 
one,  sounded  in  my  ears,  and  I  felt  a  sharp  sting 
above  the  elbow  of  my  left  arm.  Looking  quickly 
toward  the  fence,  I  saw  a  Cow-boy  arise  from 


BOURMONT   HOUSE.  37 

the  bushes,  throw  up  his  arms  and  plunge  for 
ward  upon  his  face,  while  from  a  window  di 
rectly  above  our  heads,  floated  a  puff  of  gray 
smoke. 

"It  saved  your  life,"  cried  Clark,  pointing  up 
ward,  "  the  bullet  turned  the  fellow's  aim,  we " 

A  furious  shouting  from  the  direction  of  the 
highway  interrupted  him.  There  was  a  clatter 
ing  of  hoofs,  a  dozen  musket  shots,  and  around 
the  bend  swept  a  score  of  Skinners  waving  their 
weapons  above  their  heads,  and  hurling  curses 
at  the  now  panic-stricken  Cow-boys. 

In  an  instant  each  had  sprung  into  his  sad 
dle,  gained  the  open  road  and,  with  the  Skinners 
in  hot  pursuit,  were  galloping  madly  eastward. 
Faint  and  dizzy  I  leaned  against  my  companion, 
who  had  turned  toward  the  rear  door  of  the 
homestead.  Unperceived  by  us  amid  the  sudden 
excitement  caused  by  the  arrival  of  reinforce 
ments,  it  had  been  opened  from  within,  and  upon 
the  threshold  stood  Josephine  Bourmont  holding 
a  musket  in  her  hand. 


38  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

MCDOWELL,     OF    THE    CAROLINAS. 

SURPRISED  at  the  unexpected  appearance  of  the 
young  girl,  for  a  moment  I  forgot  my  wound 
and  started  involuntarily  toward  her.  It  did  not 
require  Clark's  exclamation  that  the  shot  from 
the  window  had  diverted  the  Cow-boy's  aim  to 
assure  me  it  was  to  this  I  owed  my  life.  Jose 
phine  Bourmont  (for,  upon  the  opening  of  the 
door  my  companion  uttered  her  name,)  had 
saved  me  from  the  bullet  of  the  marauder,  and  a 
sense  of  gratitude  impelled  me  forward  despite 
the  faintness  which  the  shock  occasioned. 

For  a  moment  the  girl  stood  upon  the  threshold, 
the  barrel  of  the  musket  clasped  tightly,  her  gray 
eyes  fixed  upon  us,  and  her  bosom  heaving  with 
suppressed  excitement.  Then,  ere  I  could  reach 
her  side,  the  flush  upon  her  cheek  faded,  the 
musket  fell  with  a  rattle  upon  the  stones,  and 
Clark  bounding  past  me,  caught  her  in  his  arms. 

"  '  Tis  a  faintness,"  he  exclaimed,  "  a  woman's 
way.  Having  slain  an  enemy  the  thought  has 
overcome  her." 

This  was  true  ;  the  child,  unused  to  bloodshed, 
recoiled  at  the  work  of  her  hands  ;  when  the  ex 
citement  of  the  moment  passed,  her  gentle  nature 
asserted  itself,  and  she  realized  the  horror  of  her 
deed.  It  was  to  Madame  Bourmont  therefore  I 
expressed  my  obligation  to  the  daughter.  The 


MCDOWELL,    OF   THE   CAROLINAS.  39 

surprise  of  the  worthy  matron  was  great,  when, 
upon  descending1  from  the  apartment  facing  the 
space  which  the  enemy  had  lately  occupied,  she 
learned  it  was  her  youngest  child  whose  quick 
ness  of  purpose  and  steadiness  of  aim  had  saved 
my  breast  from  the  hostile  bullet.  Nor  could  her 
daughter  explain  the  impulse  which  led  her  to 
seize  a  musket  from  the  stand  in  the  hall,  and 
fire  upon  the  Cow-boy. 

My  wound  was  trifling,  yet  having  bled  freely, 
I  accepted  with  thankfulness  the  attention  which 
the  mistress  of  the  house  bestowed  upon  me. 
All  thought  of  riding  further  that  day  was  dis 
missed  at  her  command,  for  having  received  me 
in  so  unexpected  a  manner  into  her  household, 
it  accorded  little  with  the  widow's  sense  of  hospi 
tality  that  one  wounded  in  defense  of  her  and 
hers  should  be  permitted  to  go  forth  until  all 
physical  discomfort  was  passed.  To  this  Clark 
added  a  voice,  though  in  his  eyes  I  noted  a 
shadow  of  pleasantry,  while  he  exchanged  a  few 
whispered  words  with  Constance  Bourmont,  con 
cerning  wounds  and  fevers,  and  the  ill-conse 
quences  to  one  thus  stricken,  which  might  follow 
too  early  an  exposure  to  the  fatigue  of  a  journey 
in  the  saddle.  Perceiving  I  was  a  prisoner,  held 
by  bands  of  courtesy  and  gratitude,  I  perforce  ac 
cepted  a  few  hours  of  idleness,  resolving  to  re 
sume  my  journey  on  the  morrow  in  company 
with  the  ranger. 

Scarcely  had  I  been  an  hour  in  Bourmont 
House,  when  I  discerned  the  truth  of  Clark's 
words  concerning  Mistress  Bourmont  and  her 
daughters.  Brought  up  as  I  had  been  amid  the 
splendors  of  Versailles  and  Paris,  the  simplicity 
by  which  I  was  surrounded  attracted  me  strange- 


4O  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

ly.  I  turned  to  the  younger  daughter  with  an 
unaccustomed  feeling.  She  had  saved  my  life 
to  be  sure,  but  there  was  something  more,  a 
kindliness  of  spirit,  a  girlish  freshness,  lacking 
in  the  ladies  of  the  Court,  and  to  which  hitherto 
I  had  been  a  stranger.  A  few  moments  in  her 
company  revealed  the  fact  that  she  was  a  tender 
plant,  unfamiliar  with  the  world  ;  at  an  age 
when  both  child  and  woman  struggle  for  as 
cendency,  yet  withal  possessing  a  fearlessness, 
a  freedom,  which  appealed  to  me.  In  her  pale 
clear  face  and  gentle  brow  I  read  a  confidence 
born  of  innocence  ;  an  appreciative  word  brought 
to  her  lips  a  smile  of  pleasure.  She  seemingly 
listened  with  more  interest  than  the  others  to 
my  words,  as  I  made  known  my  mission  to 
America,  and  spoke  of  the  Court  and  of  the  King. 
France  had  ever  been  to  her  a  dream  of  Paradise  ; 
'twas  the  birthplace  of  her  ancestors,  and  what 
I  told  was  new  to  her. 

When  I  spoke  concerning  my  intention  to 
serve  the  cause  of  the  Colonies,  the  eyes  of  my 
listeners  glowed  with  enthusiasm.  From  that 
moment  the  guest  became  the  friend,  and  the 
formality,  which  to  a  certain  degree  Madame 
Bourmont  had  maintained,  gave  place  to  a 
motherly  anxiety  for  my  welfare,  and,  while  it 
embarrassed,  filled  me  with  emotion. 

I  had  thought  to  resume  my  journey  to  Hart 
ford  on  the  following  day,  but  Fate  willed  other 
wise.  My  wound  induced  a  fever,  which,  in  the 
field  perhaps  would  have  spent  itself,  but  to  the 
watchful  eye  of  the  widow  seemed  of  serious 
nature,  and  she  decided  that  for  my  safety  I 
should  remain  under  her  care  till  such  time  as 
danger  was,  in  her  mind,  passed.  Thus,  for  two 


MCDOWELL,    OF   THE   CAROLINAS.  4! 

days  I  tarried  at  Bourmont  House,  during  which 
they  told  me  of  the  brothers.  The  eldest  was 
then  in  Pennsylvania  ;  the  other,  more  reckless 
in  disposition,  had  attached  himself  to  the  staff  of 
the  unfortunate  Gates,  the  news  of  whose  disas 
ter  in  the  Carolinas  had,  a  short  time  previous  to 
the  capture  of  Major  Andre,  reached  the  ears 
of  General  Washington.  Great  disquietude 
reigned  at  Bourmont  House  over  the  defeat  of  the 
army  at  Camden,  for  no  message  had  been  re 
ceived  from  the  youthful  soldier,  although  six 
weeks  had  elapsed  since  the  battle. 

Clark  returned  to  Tappan,  bearing  a  message 
to  General  Lafayette  explaining  the  cause  of  my 
delay  in  reaching  Hartford  ;  then  appeared  again 
at  Bourmont  quite  early  on  the  morning  of  the 
third  day,  accompanied  by  a  soldier  of  the  Caro 
linas,  who  brought  news  which  sent  me  where 
I  had  little  reckoned  upon,  also  a  message  from 
the  absent  son. 

With  Constance  Bourmont  I  had  ventured 
upon  the  road  leading  to  Tarrytown,  and  the 
clear  air  of  the  morning  invigorated  me.  Some 
distance  beyond  the  spot  where  Clark  and  I  had 
left  our  horses  three  days  previous,  we  perceived 
two  men  approaching  from  the  direction  of  the 
river.  They  proved  to  be  the  ranger  and  his  com 
panion,  who,  as  they  espied  us,  urged  forward  their 
animals,  and  were  soon  at  our  side  with  a  greeting. 
The  second  man  aroused  my  interest,  for  such 
types  were  strange  to  me,  nor  in  the  camp  at 
Tappan  had  I  met  with  any  like  him  :  Of  power 
ful  build,  broad-shouldered  and  muscular ;  a 
figure  well  set  off  by  the  wild  mountain  garb 
covering  it,  which  consisted  of  a  buckskin  hunt 
ing  shirt,  and  leggings  decorated  with  colored 


42  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

fringe  and  tassels.  His  long  black  hair  was 
crowned  by  a  tight-fitting  lynx-skin  cap,  adorned 
with  a  buck's  tail  from  which  the  wind  and 
weather  had  stripped  the  greater  portion  of  hair. 
His  face,  bronzed  to  the  hue  of  an  Indian  was 
set  in  a  bushy  beard  streaked  with  gray  ;  the 
forehead  high  and  broad,  brows  shaggy,  the  eyes 
black  and  piercing.  Across  his  saddle  rested  a 
rifle  of  uncommon  length,  and  from  his  belt  pro 
truded  the  horn  haft  of  a  hunting  knife. 

"Tis  Captain  McDowell,"  said  Clark,  noting 
my  glance  of  inquiry,  "  of  the  Carolines,  and 
brings  a  message  from  Captain  Bourmont  who 
lies  wounded  at " 

Constance  Bourmont  uttered  a  cry.  "My 
brother  wounded  ?  Oh,  sir,  if ' 

The  stranger  fixed  his  eyes  upon  the  pale  face 
of  the  maiden. 

"  Fear  not,"  said  he,  in  a  voice  which,  despite 
his  efforts  lo  render  soft,  sounded  harsh  and 
guttural,  "  it  happened  atCamden,  and  six  weeks 
having  passed,  the  worst  is  over.  I  seek  Mis 
tress  Bourmont." 

With  an  unconscious  gesture  the  girl  caught 
my  hand.  "Sir!"  said  she,  raising  her  head 
proudly,  "  we  are  of  those  who  meet  misfortune 
quietly  ;  if  my  brother " 

A  flash  of  admiration  crossed  McDowell's 
countenance.  "It  was  a  musket  ball  through 
the  side,"  said  he,  "but  'tis  mending." 

Concluding  abruptly,  he  touched  the  flank  of  his 
horse  lightly  with  the  spur,  and  cantered  before 
us  down  the"  road  toward  the  manor  house. 
Noting  my  surprise  at  so  rude  a  leave-taking, 
Clark  smiled  grimly. 

"Such  are  they  who  dwell  among  the   moun- 


MCDOWELL,   OF   THE   CAROLINAS.  43 

tains  of  the  south,"  said  he,  "the  man  is  rude  of 
habit,  but  his  heart  is  loyal.  Let  us  follow 
him." 

The  appearance  of  the  southerner  before  the 
door  of  the  homestead  brought  Madame  Bour- 
mont  and  her  younger  daughter  to  the  threshold, 
where,  having  hastened  on  before  us,  Constance 
joined  them  ;  Clark  and  I  following  more 
leisurely. 

"  Where  met  you  the  man  ?  "  asked  I,  "at  the 
headquarters  of  General  Washington  ? '' 

"  It  was  on  the  road  hither,"  replied  the 
ranger,  and  as  he  helped  himself  to  a  generous 
wedge  of  tobacco  related  the  adventure. 

Upon  leaving  the  headquarters  at  Tappan  soon 
after  sunrise,  he  rode  with  no  great  show  of 
haste  to  the  ferry.  Reaching  the  east  bank  of  the 
river,  the  picket  who,  on  a  previous  occasion,  had 
warned  us  against  the  Cow-boys,  accosted  him. 
Clark  returned  the  greeting  and  would  have  rid 
den  on  when  the  soldier  stopped  him. 

"You  go  to  Bourmont  House,"  said  he,  "the 
second  since  sunrise.  Just  now  passed  a  trooper 
from  the  south,  who  inquired  of  me  the  way.'' 

"Then  he  must  be  a  stranger,"  replied  the 
Sergeant,  "for  even  the  horses  can  find  their 
way  to  Bourmont." 

"A  stranger,  indeed,"  answered  the  picket,  "a 
fellow  of  the  wilderness,  who  has  ridden  long 
and  hard.  I  had  it  from  him  that  he  bore  a 
message  from  the  Carolinas. " 

Clark  pushed  his  horse  forward.  "If  he  rides 
not  too  fast,"  said  he,  "I  will  overtake  him;" 
and  putting  spurs  to  the  animal  galloped  off, 
sending  from  the  road-bed  a  cloud  of  dust. 

Some  two  miles  back  from  the  river  three  roads 


44  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

met  at  an  angle  :  one,  upon  which  the  ranger 
rode,  another  leading  northward  to  Sing  Sing, 
and  the  third  bearing  toward  White  Plains.  It 
was  at  this  junction  Clark  came  upon  the  mes 
senger  from  the  south.  He  had  pulled  up  his 
horse,  much  perplexed  as  to  which  road  he  should 
follow. 

As  the  ranger  approached,  the  man  turned 
quickly  toward  him,  and  noting  the  uniform  of  a 
regular,  waited  for  Clark  to  reach  his  side. 

''Friend,"  said  he,  "you  have  come  in  good 
time  ;  I  would  ride  to  Bourmont  House,  but  have 
lost  my  reckoning." 

Meanwhile  he  scanned  the  Sergeant  critically. 

"I  thought  to  find  you  on  the  road,"  replied 
Clark,  pulling  up  his  horse.  "You  are  of  the 
Carolinas?  " 

A  smile  touched  the  corners  of  the  other's 
mouth.  "  Twas  the  picket  who  told  you,"  said 
he,  "  know  you  of  Bourmont  House?  " 

"  I  am  bound  thither,"  answered  Clark, 
"hence,  as  you  surmised,  learning  from  the 
picket  that  a  messenger  was  before  me,  I  made 
haste  to  overtake  him.  Is  it  a  letter  from  Cap 
tain  Bourmont  ?  " 

The  other  nodded,  saying  :  "Which  I  am  in 
haste  to  deliver,  for  before  another  sunset  I  must 
ride  forth  again." 

The  ranger  looked  at  his  companion  in  surprise. 
The  man  had  been  in  the  saddle  for  many  hours, 
yet  he  spoke  of  returning  to  the  south  with  scarce 
breathing  time  for  himself  or  animal. 

"In  a  half  hour  we  may  reach  our  destination," 
said  he,  "and,  perchance,  having  once  par 
taken  of  the  Bourmont  hospitality,  it  will  please 
you  to  tarry  for  a  day  or  two.  You  are  of " 


MCDOWELL,    OF   THE   CAROLINAS.  45 

"  Marion's  command,"  replied  the  stranger 
shortly,  "James  McDowell;  and  you,  as  I  per 
ceive,  are  of  the  regulars  ?  " 

Conversing  thus,  the  two  rode  at  a  canter  side 
by  side,  Clark  explaining  the  nature  of  the  coun 
try,  the  presence  of  the  Cow-boys,  and  things  of 
which  the  other,  a  stranger  to  the  region,  had  no 
knowledge. 

"And  of  Captain  Bourmont  ?  "  asked  he,  "the 
boy  is  safe  ?  " 

"  He  was  wounded  at  Camden,''  replied 
McDowell,  "  and  is  yet  unable  to  take  the  field." 

"Meager  news  has  reached  us  of  the  battle," 
said  Clark,  "  'tis  said  that  Gates  neglected  caution 
and  threw  away  his  army.'' 

A  grim  smile  crossed  his  companion's  face. 
"Many  things  are  said,M  replied  he,  "  some  of 
which  may  overreach  the  truth  ;  yet — we  lost  the 
battle." 

"I  would  know  something  concerning  it. " 
ventured  Clark,  "what  news  General  Washing 
ton  has  received  is  known  only  among  the  of 
ficers.  I  have  heard  it  was  no  fault  of  the  soldiers 
that  Cornwallis  drove  them  from  the  field." 

McDowell  pressed  his  lips  together.  He  was 
a  man  of  few  words,  little  given  to  gossip,  but 
the  Sergeant's  personality  pleased  him,  and  he 
recognized  a  kindred  spirit,  a  sterling  character, 
above  the  general  order  of  militia,  and,  like  him 
self  a  patriot. 

Those  two  men — from  the  north  and  the  south 
were  indeed  similar,  and  to  such  types  the  coun 
try  owed  its  freedom  ;  to  this  sort  Washington 
turned  in  moments  of  discouragement. 

For  a  time  the  southerner  remained  silent,  as 
though  gathering  from  memory  the  divergent 


46  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

threads   of  the   narrative  which  his  companion 
desired  to  hear. 

"  It  is  known,"  said  he  at  length,  bringing-  his 
horse  to  a  walk,  "  that  our  defeat  at  the  hands  of 
the  Lords  Cornwallis  and  Rawdon,  was  a  deci 
sive  one  ;  'tis  not  for  me  to  say  that  the  matter 
might   have   been    brought   to  a  different  issue. 
The  rumor  reached  me  that  Colonel  Williams,  De 
Kalb,  and  others  of  the  officers  opposed  the  plan 
of  General  Gates  in  moving  upon  Camden,  where 
the  British  were  under  Lord  Rawdon.     The  en 
emy  truly  occupied  a  strong  position,    guarded 
by  redoubts,  and  flanked  by  streams  on   either 
side.     About  the  movements  of  the  army  on  the 
eve  of  battle  I  will  say  nothing.     Just  after  night 
fall  we  were  ordered  to  prepare  for   an    attack 
upon  the  enemy's  position,  the  commander  being 
minded  to  gain  such  advantage  as  lay  in  a  sur 
prise.     We  advanced  carefully,  each  man  picking 
his  way  in  the  darkness,  the  path  running  through 
thick    woods,    swamps    and    untilled    meadows. 
Thus  we  continued  pressing  forward  until  two 
hours  after  midnight,  when  a  movement  among 
the   advance  guards  warned  us  of  some   unex 
pected  occurrence.      From  out  the  darkness  and 
silence  came  flashes  of  fire,  sounds  of  musketry, 
shouts,  and  orders.    Not  comprehending  so  sudden 
an  outbreak,  our  soldiers  stood  irresolute.     The 
British   camp  lay  three  miles  away,  yet  our  ad 
vance  was  firing,  and  above  the  sharp  crack  of 
their  rifles  sounded  the  dull,    regular  roar  of  a 
well-timed  discharge;  the  voice  of  the  enemy's 
grenadiers.     Gates  was  thunderstruck,   nor  until 
a  dozen  volleys  had  been  fired  did  he  understand 
the  meaning  of  the  tumult ;  the  British  had  also 
advanced,   and  the  two  armies  blundered  upon 


MCDOWELL,    OF   THE   CAROLINAS.  47 

each  other  in  the  darkness.  Later  we  learned 
that  it  was  Cornwallis,  and  before  another  sunset 
had  good  cause  to  remember  him. 

"  Until  daybreak,  the  two  forces  opposed  each 
other,  neither  commander  daring  to  order  a  gen 
eral  attack  in  the  moonless  night. 

"  At  early  dawn  the  enemy  opened  the  battle. 
Looking  through  the  white  mists  which  hid  the 
meadows  and  the  fields,  I  saw  the  red-coated 
column  advancing,  its  first  rank  moving  with  the 
greatest  regularity,  and  opposed  to  it  the  raw 
militia  of  the  Carolinas. 

"The  air  began  to  fill  with  light  ;  a  pale  gleam 
silvered  the  musket  barrels  and  twinkled  on  a 
hundred  naked  sabers,  bringing  out  of  the  shade 
the  tall  caps  of  the  grenadiers  and  their  threaten 
ing  faces.  In  another  moment  the  first  streaks 
of  white  smoke  arose  from  the  advancing  col 
umn  ;  the  militia  trembled,  wavered  for  an  instant, 
then  fled  in  confusion,  exposing  to  the  fire  of  the 
enemy  the  regulars  of  Delaware  and  Maryland. 
These  answered  volley  with  volley  ;  the  advanc 
ing  red-coats  hesitated,  the  smoke  hung  over  the 
field  of  battle  in  a  dense  cloud,  covering  the 
whole  scene  of  conflict  ;  and  from  out  its  shadows, 
shouts  of  triumph,  screams,  and  the  clang  of 
steel.  Flags  shone,  then  fell  in  the  vapors  ;  sharp 
yells  from  the  Americans,  while  the  British  regu 
lars  were  thrown  into  confusion.  At  that  moment 
a  dark  cloud  of  cavalry  appeared  as  if  risen  from 
the  ground ;  'twas  Tarleton's  dragoons,  who, 
with  flashing  sabers,  oaths,  and  smothered  shouts, 
fell  upon  the  flank  of  the  Americans,  throwing 
the  Delaware  brigade  into  confusion,  and  driving 
it  from  the  field.  The  air  was  filled  with  the 
whinnying  of  horses,  the  shouts  of  combatants 


48  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

and  groans  of  dying  men.     The  regulars  of  Mary 
land  stood  firm,  but  fast  advancing  columns  of 
the  enemy  pressed  upon  them  from  three  sides  : 
four  regiments  armed   with   bayonets   against  ; 
handful  of  riflemen. 

"  Fighting  in  the  front  rank  I  saw  the  first  line 
of  the  enemy  halt.  Through  the  hazy  cloud  of 
smoke  rung  the  command  :  '  Cock  your  muskets  ! 
The  gun-barrels  moved  like  one,  the  muzzles  cov 
ering  us.  A  roar  shook  the  air,  a  line  of  smoke 
flew  along  the  side  of  the  red-faced  rank,  and  the 
bullets  fell  among  us  like  shafts  of  lightning — 
while  close  upon  them  came  mounted  men — 
Tarleton's  cavalry. " 

McDowell  paused,  then  touched  his  horse's 
flank  with  the  spur.  "That  was  the  battle," 
said  he,  "you  know  the  end.  The  militia  fled 
too  soon,  the  regulars  remained  too  long  ;  many 
good  men  were  sacrificed." 

It  was  at  this  point  of  the  narrative  that  the 
two  came  upon  me  and  my  companion. 

"And  of  the  Marquis  ?  "  asked  I,  Clark  having 
finished. 

"  Sir,"  replied  he,  taking  from  his  pocket  a 
letter  which  he  handed  me,  "  the  contents  of  this 
paper  I  had  from  General  Lafayette  :  as  you  will 
see,  there  is  small  need  that  we  ride  to  Hart 
ford." 

Amazed  at  his  words  I  hastily  opened  the  mis 
sive  and  cast  my  eye  over  it. 

"Then,  you  know,"  cried  I,  "that  in  Lafay 
ette's  opinion  the  Vicomte  le  Mans  is  not  at 
Hartford,  but  in  the  south." 

Clark  nodded.  "I  was  told,"  said  he,  "of 
General  Lafayette's  receiving  knowledge  that 
three  Frenchmen  were  in  Philadelphia  some  days 


MCDOWELL,    OF   THE   CAROLINAS.  49 

since,  who,  seeking  adventure,  had  set  forth  for 
the  Carolinas. " 

" 'Tis  even  so,"  replied  I,  "and  the  Marquis 
believes  the  Vicomte  was  one  of  them.  My  way 
leads  therefore  southward,  and  you " 

' '  I  accompany  you, "  replied  the  ranger  shortly, 
"General  Lafayette  has  so  requested,  nor  is  it 
against  my  inclination  to  strike  a  blow  at  Lord 
Corn  wall  is  ;  and  \ve  will  not  ride  alone." 

In  answer  to  my  look  of  interrogation  he 
pointed  to  McDowell,  who,  surrounded  by  the 
women,  stood  beside  his  horse  before  the  door  of 
Bourmont  House. 

"A  man  from  the  Carolinas,"  said  he,  "and 
returns  to-morrow.  If  your  wound " 

"  'Tis  nothing  !  "  cried  I,  "  we  will  accompany 
him." 

The  message  from  the  south  overshadowed  as 
by  a  dark  cloud  the  Bourmont  household.  From 
the  mother,  McDowell  had  not  concealed  the 
truth  that  her  son  was  sorely  wounded,  which 
she  comprehended,  and  the  rough  sympathy  of 
the  soldier,  who  assured  her  that  a  fatal  termina 
tion  was  scarce  likely,  comforted  her  but  little. 
Although  apprehensive  and  full  of  anxious  desire 
to  hasten  to  his  side,  she  knew  such  a  course  was 
impracticable,  so  it  was  therefore  with  great 
thankfulness  she  learned  of  my  purpose  to  ac 
company  the  messenger  on  the  morrow.  Nor 
did  I  hesitate  to  promise  that  the  welfare  of  Cap 
tain  Bourmont  should  be  very  near  my  heart. 

Late  in  the  afternoon  I  took  leave  of  the  house 
hold,  and  set  forth  with  my  two  companions 
upon  the  road  leading  to  Tarrytown.  I  purposed 
spending  the  night  at  Tappan,  proceeding  south 
ward  the  following  morning. 
4 


50  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 


CHAPTER  V. 

WHAT    BEFELL    AT    RED    HOUSE    TAVERN. 

SEVERAL  days  after  my  departure  from  Bour- 
mont  House,  riding  in  company  with  Clark  and 
McDowell  southward,  I  found  myself  close  upon 
the  boundary  line  between  Virginia  and  the 
northern  Carolina.  Near  sunset,  the  southerner, 
being  a  few  paces  in  advance,  pulled  up  his 
horse. 

"  Yonder,"  said  he,  pointing  to  a  sparse  grove 
of  pines  through  which  could  be  seen  the  red 
walls  of  a  house,  "  stands  a  tavern  somewhat 
known  to  me.  It  would  be  well  to  use  it  for  a 
stopping-place  ;  our  beasts  are  weary." 

As  was  his  wont  Clark  nodded  silently,  I 
assented  to  the  proposal,  and  our  guide,  for  such 
McDowell  had  constituted  himself,  led  the  way 
into  the  lane,  which  branching  at  a  sharp  angle 
from  the  main  highway  ended  at  the  door  of  the 
hostelry. 

The  dwelling  in  which  we  elected  to  pass  the 
night  was  of  the  kind  commonly  found  throughout 
the  south  at  that  period,  yet  the  thrift  of  its  owner 
had  added  somewhat  to  it,  for  the  rough  pine 
logs,  which  formed  its  walls,  were  covered  by 
clapboards  tightly  fitted  together,  and  painted  a 
dull  red  ;  from  this  circumstance  the  inn  was 
known  in  the  neighborhood  as  "Red  House.'' 
The  structure  was  long  and  narrow,  a  rude  loft 


WHAT   BEFELL   AT   RED    HOUSE   TAVERN.    51 

serving  as  a  sleeping  place  for  those  who  sought 
its  hospitality.  The  walls,  of  sufficient  thickness 
to  withstand  a  musket  ball,  were  pierced  by  half 
a  dozen  windows,  furnished  with  heavy  shutters, 
which  could  be  barred  upon  the  inside  did  occa 
sion  for  defense  arise.  A  great  chimney  of 
rough  stone  projected  from  the  main  wall,  the 
inner  side  fashioned  into  a  huge  fireplace  of  such 
dimensions  that  a  log,  the  weight  of  which  would 
tax  the  strongest  man,  could  rest  easily  between 
its  sides. 

As  we  approached  the  door,  I  noted  some 
twenty  paces  beyond  the  further  end  of  the  build 
ing  a  shed,  wherein  stood  a  single  horse  engaged 
with  its  evening  meal  of  grain  and  hay. 

"  There  is  a  guest,"  muttered  McDowell,  cast 
ing  a  searching  glance  at  the  animal,  ' '  but  wheth 
er  he  is  of  the  army,  or  only  a  country  squire, 
I  know  not  ;  if  the  latter,  'twere  best  to  use  cir 
cumspection,  for  there  are  many  in  these  parts 
who  remain  faithful  to  King  George." 

The  sudden  appearance  of  the  landlord  pre 
cluded  a  reply.  Issuing  from  the  narrow  door, 
he  looked  at  us  with  some  anxiety,  until  his  gaze 
resting  upon  our  guide,  the  frown  faded  from  his 
brow. 

"Welcome,  good  gentlemen  !  "  cried  he  advanc 
ing  a  pace,  ' '  you  are,  I  perceive,  of  the  Colonies. " 

"  As  to  that,"  replied  McDowell  resting  his  rifle 
carelessly  in  the  hollow  of  his  arm,  "'tis  a  matter 
of  small  consequence.  Have  you  room  for  three 
peaceful  travelers  within  the  tavern  ?  " 

"  That  have  I,"  replied  the  host,  his  small  eyes 
wandering  over  our  persons,  "  though  the  war 
has ' 

"  Supper,  a  glass  of  rum,  and  a   pile  of  straw 


52  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

will  make  you  richer  by  some  silver  pieces,"  in 
terrupted  McDowell  gruffly.  And  dismounting, 
he  turned  as  though  to  lead  his  horse  to  the  shed. 
"  Ho  !  "  cried  he,  stopping  suddenly  ;  "  there 
are  guests  within  ;  perchance  some  squire,  or — 

"  Nay,"  retorted  the  landlord,  "  'tis  a  soldier — 
from  the  south. " 

McDowell  silently  gestured  that  Clark  and  I 
should  dismount  and  follow  him  into  the  shed, 
then  turning  to  the  landlord,  said  : 

"  If  he  is  peacefully  disposed,  four  will  sit  at 
your  table  ;  go,  therefore,  and  acquaint  him  with 
our  presence." 

The  man  hastened  within,  the  prospect  of  silver 
pieces  adding  zest  to  his  movements.  McDowell 
fastened  his  horse,  removed  the  saddle  and  turned 
to  us. 

"  The  country  is  unsettled,"  growled  he,  "  and 
I  do  not  know  whether  yon  soldier  from  the  south 
may  be  to  our  liking  ;  leave  me  to  answer  should 
he  question  us  too  closely." 

After  attending  to  the  comfort  of  the  horses,  no 
hostler  appearing  for  that  purpose,  we  turned 
toward  the  door  of  the  inn,  which  standing  open, 
seemed  to  bid  us  enter  with  scant  formality. 

The  interior  of  the  place  was  decidedly  barren 
in  appearance,  it  holding  naught  save  a  half  score 
of  rude  benches,  a  large  cupboard  in  one  corner 
of  the  room,  and  a  long  table  opposite  the  fire 
place  in  which  a  log  sputtered  fitfully.  I  noted 
the  rafters  above  my  head  were  blackened  with 
smoke  and  age,  the  floor  of  rough  pine  boards, 
and  the  way  to  the  loft  a  stout  ladder  set  against 
the  wall.  The  windows  of  the  apartment  were 
open,  and  through  them  shone  the  red  rays  of  the 
setting  sun. 


WHAT    BEFELL   AT    RED    HOUSE   TAVERN.     53 

Directly  opposite  one  of  these  openings,  his 
arms  resting  idly  on  the  table,  sat  the  man  whom 
the  landlord  had  styled  "  a  soldier  from  the 
south."  The  descending  light  fell  full  upon  his 
face,  and,  trained  to  form  conclusions  quickly,  I 
liked  but  little  the  countenance  of  the  stranger. 
His  eyes  were  of  a  steely  blue,  his  features  large, 
the  jaw  square,  but  lacking  firmness.  A  droop 
ing  blonde  mustache  partially  covered  the  out 
lines  of  his  mouth,  matching  in  hue  the  carefully 
arranged  locks,  worn  shorter  than  the  custom  of 
the  period,  but  reaching  to  his  collar  and  brushed 
back  above  the  ears.  Added  to  these  was  a  frame 
of  goodly  proportions,  shoulders  which  denoted 
strength,  and  hands,  the  whiteness  of  which  told 
me  the  owner  was  unused  to  manual  toil.  I 
knew  not  at  the  time  the  cause  of  my  sudden 
dislike  to  the  man,  unless  it  might  have  been  a  cer 
tain  expression  upon  his  face  as  he  raised  his  eyes 
to  mine.  He  wore  the  uniform  of  an  officer  of 
the  Colonies,  and  therefore  should  be  taken  for  a 
friend,  but  something  in  his  glance,  in  the  play 
of  his  eyes,  the  blonde  hair  and  drooping  mus 
tache,  pleased  me  little,  and  turned  my  heart 
against  him.  Perchance  there  was  some  subtile 
power,  an  unerring  instinct  which  a  man  often 
feels  when  in  the  presence  of  one  who  would  do 
him  injury,  closing  the  door  to  good-fellowship 
ere  the  uttering  of  a  word. 

As  we  entered  he  shifted  his  position  and 
drummed  carelessly  upon  the  table.  McDowell 
was  the  first  to  break  the  silence. 

"  Friend,"  said  he,  "  I  perceive  you  are  of  the 
Colonies — of  Gates'  command?  " 

The  stranger  raised  one  hand  indolently  and 
stroked  for  a  moment  the  drooping  mustache.  I 


54  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

heard  Clark,  who  stood  close  behind  me,  mutter 
contemptuously,  then,  the  other  replied  : 

"  Of  Gates'  command,  though  the  affair  at 
Camden  warrants  scant  boasting  to  those  who 
wear  my  uniform." 

The  dark  eyes  of  the  Carolinian  flashed  angrily, 
but  he  restrained  his  rising  temper. 

"As  you  say,"  replied  he  shortly  ;  "  we  will 
share  the  tavern  ;  ride  you  southward  on  the 
morrow  ? " 

"You  are  of  the  Carolinas,"  said  the  stranger, 
ignoring  with  a  wave  of  his  hand  the  question. 
"The  tavern  is,  methinks,  big  enough  for  all  of 
us,  yet  the  times  are  troublous,  and  I  would  know 
who  thus  honor  me  with  their  company." 

Had  he  put  to  me  the  question,  I  would  have 
answered  with  much  haughtiness  ;  his  manner 
of  speech  and  inflection  of  voice  pleased  me  as 
little  as  his  countenance,  but  McDowell,  loth  to 
breed  unfriendliness,  replied  easily  : 

"These  gentlemen  are  M.  de  Marc,  and  Ser 
geant  Clark  of  the  regulars  ;  I  am  of  the  Caroli 
nas." 

The  other  burst  into  a  hearty  laugh.  ' '  Faith  !  " 
cried  he,  "one  would  think  we  sought  a  quarrel. 
I  am  Major  Brooks,  late  of  the  staff  of  General 
Gates  whom  Cornwallis " 

The  entrance  of  the  host  with  sputtering  candles 
which  he  placed  upon  the  table  preparatory  to 
laying  the  evening  meal,  interrupted  further  con 
versation.  We  partook  of  it  as  the  shadows  grew 
black,  and  the  night  birds  began  to  make  known 
their  presence  in  the  surrounding  woods.  Mean^ 
while  our  new  companion  talked  much  and  loud 
ly,  Clark  not  at  all,  and  McDowell  and  I  but 
briefly.  That  the  ranger  shared  my  dislike  to  the 


WHAT    BEEELI.    AT    RED    HOUSE    TAVERN.      55 

Major  I  perceived,  but  if  the  man  noticed  it  he 
betrayed  nothing  of  his  thoughts. 

"  It  is  indeed  a  pity  that  the  English  have  so 
overrun  the  country,  "said  he;  "one  has  but  scant 
time  to  become  familiar  with  such  women  as 
please  the  eye,  before  a  company  of  dragoons 
sweeps  down  upon  him.  It  has  been  said  that 
'tis  against  the  rules  of  war  for  victors  to  seize 
such  females  as  suit  their  fancy,  but  to  me  'tis 
most  natural  ;  none  need  cry  to  me  for  protec 
tion  ;  it  touches  no  responsive  chord." 

I  came  near  resenting  his  words,  but  McDowell 
forestalled  what  was  in  my  mind.  Rising  quickly 
from  the  table  he  signified  to  our  host  that,  hav 
ing  ridden  far,  we  would  fain  seek  repose,  as 
daybreak  must  find  us  up  and  in  the  saddle.  I 
cared  little  about  the  plans  of  Major  Brooks  ;  we 
left  him  with  scant  ceremony,  seated  by  the 
table,  a  glass  of  rum  at  his  elbow,  and  fingers 
idly  toying  with  the  pipe  which  he  had  drawn 
from  his  pocket,  nor  surmised  that  ere  sunrise  we 
were  to  see  him  again. 

A  deep,  dreamless  slumber  followed  the  fatigue 
often  hours,  hard  riding,  from  which  I  was  sud 
denly  awakened  as  though  by  a  hand  upon  my 
shoulder.  It  was  dark  within  the  loft.  I  started 
to  a  sitting  posture  and  perceived  against  the  dim 
light  of  the  opening  into  the  room  below,  the 
forms  of  my  two  companions  intently  listening  ; 
heard  the  sound  of  voices  ;  the  bantering  tones  of 
the  Major,  and  another,  whose  words  were  in 
distinct,  and  who  spoke  only  at  intervals.  The 
rustle  of  the  straw  as  I  moved  brought  a  gesture 
from  Clark  to  make  no  noise.  Amazed  and 
somewhat  disturbed,  I  remained  motionless. 

"Faith!"  I  heard  the  Major  say  laughingly, 


56  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

"  Think  you  I  am  a  beardless  youth  like  yon 
snoring  Frenchman  ?  Though  petticoats  be 
wanting  to  add  charm  to  the  caress,  I  warrant 
thy  lips  will  make  amends.'' 

A  low  cry  broke  from  the  other,  and  there 
was  a  clatter  of  furniture  upon  the  rough  board 
floor. 

"Ho!"  cried  the  Major,  and  his  low  laugh 
grated  unpleasantly  upon  my  ear,  "  from  behind 
a  table  you  would  mock  me.  Come,  sir  youth, 
afore  I  lose  my  temper  and  take  by  violence 
what  should  be  freely  given.  Is  then  the  uniform 
of  a " 

"  Tis  for  one  who  wears  that  uniform  to  pro 
tect,  not  to  play  the  ruffian,"  replied  a  voice 
which  startled  me. 

A  laugh  answered  the  appeal.  "  You  would 
deny  me?"  cried  the  fellow,  "come!  one  kiss, 
and  my  sword  will  protect  you  from  those  who 
might,  perchance  ask  more.  Above  lie  sleeping 
three  who  would  take  scant  reckoning  of  blush 
ing  maidenhood,  clad  in  breeches  ;  one  kiss, 
therefore,  and " 

The  crash  of  the  table  told  that  the  ruffian 
sought  to  gain  by  violence  what  the  woman,  for 
such  it  seemed  his  companion  was,  refused  to 
yield. 

"  Coward  !  "  I  heard  her  cry.  "  Coward  !  but 
I  am  not  defenseless  !  " 

Then  followed  the  sharp  crack  of  a  pistol,  and 
an  oath  from  the  Major.  I  sprang  up  quickly, 
but  the  Americans  were  before  me.  With  an  ex 
clamation,  McDowell  dropped  through  the  open 
ing,  unheeding  the  ladder  in  his  haste,  and  the 
sudden  sound  of  his  fall  came  up  to  me  as  he  struck 
the  floor  below.  Following  Clark,  who  was 


WHAT    BEFELL   AT    RED    HOUSE    TAVERN.     57 

climbing  down,  we  came  upon  a  scene  I  have 
never  forgotten. 

In  the  dim  light  cast  by  the  sputtering  flames 
of  the  candles  standing  upon  the  shelf  above  the 
fireplace,  McDowell  and  the  Major  were  strug 
gling  desperately.  Near  the  open  door  stood  a 
figure  which  at  the  first  glance  seemed  to  be  a 
youth,  clad  in  jacket,  knee  breeches,  ruffled  shirt 
and  riding  boots.  The  face  was  in  shadow,  but 
upon  the  shoulders  of  the  stripling  fell  a  mass  of 
chestnut  hair,  and  the  small  white  hands,  one  of 
which  grasped  the  butt  of  a  pistol,  revealed  the 
woman. 

Clark,  who  was  crossing  the  room,  uttered  an 
exclamation,  but  of  her  I  took  small  account ;  the 
struggling  forms  of  the  two  men  drew  my  atten 
tion.  Half  s  minute  they  swayed  back  and  forth 
upon  the  hearthstone,  the  Carolinian  in  silence, 
the  other  uttering  stifled  oaths.  The  hand  of  the 
mountaineer  suddenly  reached  for  the  Major's 
throat,  and  clasped  it  with  a  grasp  of  iron.  The 
curses  became  inarticulate,  the  steely  blue  eyes 
turned  upward  in  agony,  and  the  shapely  hands 
clutched  the  rigid  wrist  of  McDowell  convulsive 
ly.  Then,  in  an  instant,  the  bulky  form  of  the 
officer  was  hurled  across  the  room,  upon  the 
overturned  table,  with  a  crash  which  set  the 
candles  dancing. 

"  Coward  !  "  muttered  the  Carolinian,  "  'tis  such 
as  you  who  disgrace  the  name  of  manhood. " 

As  he  spoke  the  Major's  hand  went  to  his 
pocket,  and  half  rising  upon  his  elbow,  he  leveled 
a  pistol  at  McDowell's  head. 

My  own  weapon  was  out  upon  the  instant,  and 
I  know  not  which  would  have  fired  first,  had  not 
Clark,  who  stood  near  the  prostrate  ruffian,  leaped 


58  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

upon  him,  and  with  a  well-directed  kick  sent  the 
pistol  flying  from  his  hand.  I  thought  the  man's 
wrist  was  broken,  for  uttering  a  scream  he  rolled 
upon  the  hearth  among  the  ashes.  The  dark  eyes 
of  the  ranger  flashed  ominously  ;  before  we  could 
guess  his  purpose,  he  seized  the  fellow  with  a 
strength  gained  by  years  of  labor  and  activity, 
and  lifted  him  from  the  floor,  sending  him  through 
the  open  door  into  the  darkness  without. 

For  a  moment  silence,  save  for  the  deep  breath 
ing  of  the  enraged  American  and  the  stifled  scream 
of  the  woman,  reigned  in  the  tavern  ;  then,  fear 
ing  lest  the  defeated  ruffian  might  return  with 
sword  in  hand,  I  sprang  to  the  doorway.  A 
grim  smile  flitted  across  the  Sergeant's  face. 

"  Have  no  fear,"  said  he,  "  the  man  will  not 
trouble  us  again  this  night,  yet  there  is  one  thing 
more." 

Taking  a  candle  he  pushed  past  me  and  bent 
over  the  form  of  the  Major  who  lay  upon  his  face 
beyond  the  threshold.  Setting  the  light  upon  the 
ground  he  then  tore  off  the  sword  belt  and  coat, 
with  but  scant  ceremony.  To  the  frightened 
landlord,  who.  aroused  by  the  pistol  shot  and  the 
sound  of  scuffling,  had  appeared  musket  in  hand, 
he  said  : 

"A  rope,  good  sir,  that  I  may  bind  this  fellow  ; 
having  cast  disgrace  upon  the  uniform,  perhaps 
he  will  fire  the  house,  or  disable  the  horses  under 
cover  of  the  darkness." 

So  intent  had  I  been  upon  the  ranger's  actions, 
that  the  presence  of  the  woman  was  quite  for 
gotten,  until  I  felt  the  pressure  of  a  hand  upon  my 
shoulder,  and  a  voice  murmured  in  my  ear  : — 

"  M.  de  Marc,  I " 

Turning  in  surprise  my  eyes  met  those  of  the 


WHAT    BEFELL   AT    RED    HOUSE   TAVERN.     59 

seeming  youth  whose  arrival  at  the  inn  had 
brought  about  the  Major's  discomfiture.  For  a 
moment  no  recognition  came  to  me,  although 
the  voice  aroused  memories.  Then,  as  half  turn 
ing  her  face,  the  light  from  the  candle  fell  upon  it, 
I  started  in  astonishment.  It  was  that  of  Con 
stance  Bourmont,  whom  I  had  left  among  the 
hills  of  Westchester.  The  disguise  had  for  the 
moment  concealed  her  identity,  but  the  clear- 
cut  features,  the  hazel  eyes  and  open  brow  were 
those  of  Madame  Bourmont's  eldest  daughter. 

Misjudging  my  gesture  of  surprise,  a  blush  of 
shame  arose  to  the  pale  cheeks  of  the  girl. 

"Sir,"  she  murmured,  "have  I  then  done 
wrong,  or  forfeited  your 

Overcoming  by  an  effort  my  amazement,  I 
seized  her  hand. 

"God  forbid!"!  cried,  "yet — your  mother? 
Mistress  Josephine  ? " 

The  clasp  of  her  fingers  tightened  upon  my 
own. 

"They  would  have  forbidden  me,"  said  she 
simply,  "  'twas  unmaidenly,  but  he  is  sorely 
wounded,  and  I  thought  to  overtake  you  before 
you  reached  the " 

Her  words,  in  which  I  read  an  appeal  to  my 
generosity,  touched  my  heart. 

"Was  it  to  seek  your  brother  you  followed 
us  ?  "  I  asked  gently.  "  Had  you  told  me  before  I 
left  Bourmont  House,  a  word  to  your  worthy 
mother  might  have " 

She  shook  her  head  demurely  and  replied  : 
"  Nay,  my  mother  sees  in  me  but  a  child,  I " 

"  'Tis  to  such  children  the  Colonies  will  owe 
their  liberty,"  sounded  the  voice  of  the  ranger, 
who,  having  bound  the  Major  had  approached  us 


60  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

unperceived.  "  M.  de  Marc,  such  things  are  per 
haps  unknown  in  France,  but  in  America  even 
the  women  overcome  their  fears  when  duty  is 
made  plain  to  them." 

A  wave  of  emotion  crossed  the  girl's  face,  for 
the  eyes  of  the  soldier  were  fixed  on  her  with  ap 
proval.  "  Maybe  it  was  a  foolish  thing,"  he  con 
tinued,  "  and  beyond  the  line  of  duty  to  your 
mother,  that  you  should  thus  expose  yourself  to 
danger  in  following  us  ;  but  'twas  ever  the  nature 
of  Captain  Bourmont  to  little  count  cost,  and  if 
his  daughter's  spirit  is  of  the  same  caliber,  'tis  an 
ill  thing  to  oppose  it." 

"But,"  said  I  turning  to  Mistress  Constance, 
"it  is  beyond  my  comprehension  how  you  could 
know  we  were  quartered  at  Red  House.'' 

A  very  simple  tale  the  girl  related  to  us,  the 
ranger,  the  southerner  and  myself;  the  land 
lord  at  McDowell's  request,  had  gone  to  the  shed 
to  make  sure  that  the  horses  should  be  in  readi 
ness  for  our  journey  at  the  first  streak  of  dawn. 
As  for  Major  Brooks,  he  lay  where  Clark  had 
left  him,  beneath  the  eaves  of  the  tavern  on  the 
side  farthest  from  the  lane.  Sorely  shaken  and 
bound  with  ropes,  little  was  to  be  feared  from 
his  treachery,  nor  do  I  think  that  any  thought  of 
contest  burned  within  him,  for  at  heart  he  was  a 
coward. 

Constance  Bourmont  added  to  her  tale  nothing 
beyond  the  truth,  nor  sought  to  play  the  heroine. 

Having  seen  us  depart  from  her  mother's  house, 
she  retired  to  her  chamber  to  be  alone,  and  at 
liberty  to  weep  for  her  brother,  who  lay  wounded, 
with  no  loving  hand  to  minister  to  his  necessities. 
Then  the  thought  arose  within  her  to  follow  and 
join  us  on  the  road,  when  there  would  be  small 


WHAT    BEFELL   AT    RED    HOUSE   TAVERN.    6 1 

likelihood  of  her  purpose  being  thwarted.  Yet, 
knowing  well  the  temper  of  her  mother,  and  that 
consent  to  so  desperate  an  undertaking  would 
scarce  be  forthcoming,  she  resolved  to  depart 
secretly,  leaving  a  message  which  would  explain 
her  absence.  She  thought  little  of  the  hardships 
which  might  lie  before  her,  though  she  knew 
much  danger  would  possibly  threaten  a  tender 
maid  ;  but  being  skilled  in  horsemanship  she 
hoped  to  overtake  us  before  we  had  passed 
through  Pennsylvania,  so  resolved  to  follow, 
trusting  in  a  kind  Providence  to  guard  her. 

While  searching  through  her  brother's  ward 
robe  the  thought  presented  itself,  that,  disguised 
as  a  man,  her  errand  would  be  the  easier.  Hav 
ing  thus  resolved  upon  her  course,  she  awaited 
in  much  eagerness  the  proper  hour  to  set  out  upon 
her  journey.  At  dawn,  on  the  morning  follow 
ing  our  departure  from  the  homestead,  the  fear 
less  girl,  carrying  a  bundle  which  contained  a 
cast-off  suit  of  her  brother's,  sought  the  stable, 
when  saddling  with  nervous  fingers  her  favorite 
horse,  she  rode  forth  upon  the  highway  leading 
to  Tarry  town. 

Being  known  to  the  Americans,  she  passed  the 
pickets  stationed  at  the  ferry,  and  gained  with 
out  hindrance  the  west  shore  of  the  Hudson.  To 
proceed  further  was  more  difficult,  and  before  she 
had  ridden  far  upon  the  road  which  led  to  Tappan, 
the  nature  of  her  errand  was  demanded  by  a 
mounted  guard.  Fortune  favored  her  ;  being 
taken  before  an  officer  he  recognized  her  as  a 
daughter  of  Madame  Bourmont,  and  learning  that 
she  would  ride  to  Philadelphia,  obtained  for  her 
a  pass,  which  removed  all  difficulties. 

When  she  entered  the  country  unfamiliar  to  her 


62  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

she  donned  the  man's  attire,  and  though  many 
whom  she  met  looked  hard  upon  her,  she  was  un 
molested.  Stopping  only  at  night,  in  such  inns 
and  farmhouses  as  came  in  her  way,  she  met  with 
no  mishap,  it  not  being  an  uncommon  occurrence 
for  a  traveler  to  pass  through  this  section  which, 
though  lying  between  the  regions  occupied  by  the 
armies,  was  for  the  time  not  troubled  by  either 
the  soldiers  of  England  or  the  Colonies. 

Failing  to  overtake  us  she  felt  much  disqui 
etude,  but  having  gone  so  far,  resolved  to  push  on 
to  the  Carolinas.  Her  coming  to  Red  House  at 
so  unseasonable  an  hour  happened  through  the 
gossip  of  a  farmer's  wife  of  whom  she  asked 
shelter.  Inquiring  as  was  her  wont,  if  three 
horsemen  had  passed  that  day,  the  good  woman 
replied  in  the  affirmative,  for  it  so  chanced  that 
we  had  obtained  from  her  food  for  ourselves  and 
horses. 

Hoping  to  gain  upon  us  if  she  lost  no  time, 
the  intrepid  girl  resumed  her  saddle,  till,  being 
overcome  with  fatigue  and  the  night  far  spent,  she 
espied  the  light  in  Red  House.  Scarce  believing 
that  those  she  sought  had  halted  there,  she  fol 
lowed  the  lane  and  dismounted  at  the  door. 
Upon  knocking  it  was  opened  by  Major  Brooks, 
who  scanned  her  narrowly.  Seeing  the  Colonial 
uniform  her  spirits  revived,  and  the  courteous 
offer  of  the  officer  to  stable  her  horse  dispelled 
hef  fears. 

Her  feeling  of  security  was  soon  rudely  broken, 
for  after  returning  to  the  room,  the  man  soon 
penetrated  her  disguise,  and  was  not  slow  in 
seeking  to  take  advantage  of  her  helplessness. 
During  the  conversation  which  followed  Clark  and 
McDowell  were  awakened,  and  had  crept  to  the 


WHAT   BEFELL   AT    RED    HOUSE   TAVERN.    63 

opening  in  the  loft,  when  I  also  was  aroused 
from  my  heavy  slumber. 

I  marveled  much  at  the  daring-  of  a  maid,  who, 
with  the  hope  of  serving  a  wounded  brother, 
would  set  forth  cheerfully,  alone,  risking  the 
dangers  and  hardships  unavoidable  in  an  un 
settled  country.  Clark  and  the  Carolinian  were 
full  of  admiration  for  her  daring,  and  we  arranged 
that  Mistress  Constance  should  accompany  us  to 
the  American  headquarters,  which  we  hoped  to 
reach  ere  another  nightfall. 

At  early  dawn  we  were  in  our  saddles,  and, 
having  left  it  to  the  discretion  of  the  landlord 
whether  to  free  the  Major  or  shoot  him  through 
the  head,  our  little  cavalcade  proceeded  south 
ward  with  all  the  speed  possible. 


64  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

WARRIORS    OF    THE    WILDERNESS. 

BY  midday  we  had  ridden  well  toward  the 
boundary  line  between  the  Carolinas,  and  over 
taken  a  detachment  of  countrymen  making  their 
way  south  on  foot.  Hearing-  our  galloping  hoofs, 
they  drew  up  across  the  road  as  though  to  ob 
struct  our  passage.  McDowell  scrutinized  them 
closely,  then  rode  forward  to  the  one  he  perceived 
was  leader,  leaving  us  on  the  highway. 

As  he  approached,  many  among  them  raised 
their  rifles  threateningly,  but  as  he  drew  nearer, 
and  his  face  could  be  recognized,  there  was  a 
shout,  and  half  a  score  of  the  fellows  ran  forward 
as  though  to  seize  him.  I  would  have  advanced, 
for  he  seemed  to  be  in  danger,  but  Clark,  noting 
my  purpose,  bade  me  remain. 

"They  are  friends,"  said  he,  "and  McDowell 
is  known  to  them.  Wait,  he  will  return  with  in 
formation." 

It  was  even  so.  For  some  moments  the  Caro 
linian  sat  upon  his  motionless  horse,  in  the  midst 
of  the  gesticulating  men,  then,  accompanied  by 
several,  rode  slowly  back  to  us. 

"Comrades,"  said  he,  "  if  our  ride  had  been 
in  an  easterly  direction,  we  should  now  have  been 
prisoners  ;  Cornwallis  is  at  Charlotte,  and  yet 
nearer  are  some  thousand  of  the  enemy  under 
Major  Ferguson,  of  the  King's  regulars." 


WARRIORS   OF   THE   WILDERNESS.  65 

"And  the  Americans?  "  asked  I,  "are  they  not 
then  in  the  neighborhood  ?  " 

A  shadow  crossed  the  face  of  the  Carolinian. 
"  Camden  has  scattered  our  forces,"  said  he,  "so 
that  scarce  five  hundred  fighting- men  remain  to 
gether.  Yet  many  have  gathered  to-day  to 
oppose  this  Ferguson,  who,  having  plundered 
peaceful  farmers,  has  pushed  northward  to  rejoin 
Cornwallis. " 

"He  is  now  at  King's  Mountain  !  "  cried  one 
of  the  irregulars,  "  a  thousand  mounted  men  will 
attack  him  ere  sunset,  and  many  on  foot  are  has 
tening  to  join  them." 

""  Then,"  cried  Clark,  "  there  will  be  a  battle " 

"  That  there  will,"  replied  McDowell,  "forthe 
temper  of  the  people  is  roused.  King's  Mountain 
lies  some  fifteen  miles  to  the  north  and  east. 
Last  night  many  mounted  men  under  Campbell, 
Shelby,  Williams  and  others,  left  the  Cowpens, 
and  are  now  moving  eastward  ;  there  will  be 
fighting,  I  warrant." 

"And,  gentlemen!"  cried  the  leader  of  the 
countrymen,  "by  riding  with  all  haste  toward 
the  river,  you  will  come  upon  them  before  they 
reach  the  enemy." 

Clark  and  McDowrell  exchanged  rapid  glances 
which  I  comprehended,  nor  did  it  require  words 
to  tell  what  was  in  their  minds. 

"In  less  then  two  hours  we  might  reach 
them,"  said  the  Carolinian,  "but  if  M.  de 
Marc " 

"Nay,"  cried  I,  " 'twould  be  but  scant  courtesy 
to  detain  you,  and  I  also  would  fain  strike  a  blow 
at  these  Englishmen." 

A  murmur  of  approval  arose  from  the  country 
men.  "  They  are  thieves  and  murderers  ?  "  cried 
5 


66  A    CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

one,  "fit  only  for  the  hangman,  and  must  be 
overcome." 

Perceiving  McDowell  hesitate,  Constance  Bour- 
mont  rode  to  his  side. 

"Sir,"  said  she,  "I  see  plainly  if  it  were  not 
for  my  presence,  you  would  hasten  to  join  your 
countrymen.  Go,  I  pray  you,  for  these," — and 
she  pointed  to  the  irregulars,  —  "are  loyal  Ameri 
cans,  and  will  protect  me." 

Upon  hearing  her  words,  those  on  foot  stared 
in  amazement,  for  until  that  moment  none  had 
noted  that  a  woman  rode  with  us. 

"The  country  is  most  unsettled,"  said  Mc 
Dowell  soberly,  "and  if  the  British  be  victorious, 
there  will  be  little  safety  anywhere.  The  maid 
speaks  wisely  ;  these  are  sons  of  Carolina,  and 
will  protect  a  woman." 

"Go!"  cried  I,  "  Mistress  Bourmont  and  I  will 
follow  in  company  with  the " 

The  girl  lifted  her  head  proudly.  "  M.  de 
Marc,"  said  she,  fixing  her  eyes  upon  me,  "you 
but  just  spoke  of  striking  at  the  enemies  of  my 
country.  'Tis  now  the  duty  of  every  man  who 
wields  a  sword  to  hasten  to  the  support  of  those 
who  are  marching  upon  King's  Mountain.  Go 
with  your  companions  ;  these  will  protect  me." 

"That  we  will,"  cried  the  leader,  "even  as 
our  own  wives  and  children.  The  British  are  in 
front  of  us,  therefore  there  is  little  danger." 

I  shook  my  head  ;  it  seemed  an  ill  thing  to  leave 
the  girl. 

Seeing  me  still  hesitate  she  cried  :  "If  you  do 
not  go,  I  shall  never  cease  to  regret  that  through 
me  six  strong  arms  remained  in  idleness,  when 
stout  blows  were  needed." 

"The  maid  is  right,"  said  Clark,   casting  upon 


WARRIORS   OF   THE    WILDERNESS.  67 

her  a  look  of  admiration,  "nor  will  any  danger 
come  to  her  that  our  presence  could  avert.  Here 
she  is  safe." 

With  much  reluctance  I  trusted  to  thejudgment 
of  my  companions  and  consented  to  leave  her. 
A  shout  of  approval  arose  from  the  irregulars. 

"  We  can  scarcely  reach  the  vicinity  of  the 
mountain  before  nightfall, ''  said  the  leader,  "and 
the  battle  will  then  be  over.  If  the  British  are 
beaten,  all  will  be  well,  but  if  the  contrary  hap 
pens,  we  will  retreat  to  Chester,  and  await  your 
coming." 

The  matter  being  thus  decided,  McDowell  drew 
the  man  aside. 

"I  have  told  him  the  mission  of  Mistress 
Bourmont,"  said  he,  upon  returning  to  us,  "and 
it  will  but  add  to  her  safety.  Certain  ones 
wounded  at  Camden  are  in  the  vicinity  of  Ches 
ter,  but  her  brother  lies  some  twenty  miles  to 
the  southward.  To-morrow  we  may  take  her 
there." 

With  some  misgiving  I  bade  the  girl  adieu,  and 
followed  my  companions,  who  had  turned  their 
faces  toward  King's  Mountain.  As  I  joined  them 
we  put  our  horses  to  the  gallop  and  clattered 
down  the  road.  A  cheer  followed  us.  Turning 
in  the  saddle,  I  saw  the  countrymen  drawn  up 
about  Mistress  Bourmont,  into  whose  hand  the 
leader  had  thrust  a  sword  hilt. 

Unfamiliar  with  the  progress  of  the  war  in  the 
south,  and  desirous  of  learning  something  con 
cerning  the  enemy,  whom,  perhaps,  I  should  soon 
meet  in  brittle,  I  kept  my  horse  apace  with  that 
of  the  Carolinian,  and  questioned  him  upon  the 
matter.  He  replied  readily,  and  as  he  had  been 
absent  from  the  region  through  which  we  rode 


68  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

only  a  fortnight,  was  well  able  to  satisfy  my 
curiosity. 

Having  crushed  the  Americans  at  Camden,  Lord 
Cornwallis  rested  upon  his  arms,  feeling  sure  that 
the  cause  of  the  Colonies  was  lost  in  the  south. 
But  although  the  main  body  of  the  English  re 
mained  inactive  for  a  time,  it  was  the  plan  of  the 
commander  to  despatch  to  various  sections  of 
the  Carolinas  certain  bodies  of  royal  cavalry,  that 
the  country  folk  might  feel  the  authority  of  the 
Crown,  and  those  disorganized  Americans  who 
still  clung  together  be  dispersed.  For  the  accom 
plishment  of  this  errand,  Major  Patrick  Ferguson, 
a  zealous  adherent  to  the  royal  arms,  was  ap 
pointed,  with  a  light  corps  of  regular  infantry  and 
a  body  of  the  royal  militia,  to  scour  the  territory 
lying  to  the  north  of  Camden.  At  the  same  time 
Lord  Cornwallis  broke  his  encampment,  pro 
ceeded  northward,  making  his  quarters  at  Char 
lotte,  and  awaited  the  return  of  Ferguson. 

The  region  embraced  in  the  Carolinas  was  a 
country  wild  and  rugged  ;  covered  with  thick 
woods,  cut  up  by  water-courses,  abounding  in 
swamps  and  morasses,  crossed  by  roads  and  in 
direct  crooked  paths.  To  cut  loose  from  the  main 
army  and  penetrate  this  wilderness  with  a  hand 
ful  of  men  appeared  a  deed  of  recklessness  on 
the  part  of  the  English  major.  The  Americans 
were,  however,  scattered  and  disheartened ;  it 
was  harvest  time,  and  there  would  be  found 
abundant  food  for  men  and  horses.  Ferguson 
purposed  to  scour  the  mountain  country,  after 
which,  having  terrified  the  defeated  enemy  and 
gathered  to  his  standard  those  loyal  to  the  British 
Crown,  he  would  unite  with  Cornwallis  at  Char 
lotte. 


WARRIORS   OF    THE    WILDERNESS.  69 

These  facts  had  become  known  to  McDowell 
before  he  left  for  the  north  with  the  message  to 
Bourmont  House.  What  he  further  told  me  was 
learned  from  the  leader  of  the  irregulars,  to  whose 
care  we  had  intrusted  Mistress  Constance. 

Through  the  first  days  of  his  expedition  all  had 
gone  well  with  the  doughty  Englishman.  None 
opposed  him,  and  having  struck  terror  and  dis 
may  into  the  hearts  of  the  country  folk,  he  pre 
pared  to  rejoin  the  main  army  in  North  Carolina. 

But  suddenly,  as  though  springing  from  the 
earth  itself,  appeared  bands  of  men  who  contested 
his  passage.  The  marauds  of  the  English  had 
roused  a  spirit  of  retaliation  in  the  breasts  of  the 
adventurous  dwellers  in  the  mountain  fastnesses 
to  which  they  had  penetrated.  The  inhabitants 
of  the  Carolinas  and  adjoining  territories  of  Ken 
tucky,  Virginia  and  Georgia,  were  a  people  not 
given  to  witnessing  the  destruction  of  homes  and 
property  without  a  blow  struck  in  revenge. 
These  "  mountain  men,"  bred  from  their  cradles 
to  resist  the  inroads  of  hostile  savages,  were 
prompt  to  seize  their  weapons.  A  hardy  race, 
half  farmers,  half  huntsmen  of  the  wilderness, 
there  was  naught  to  detain  them,  when  swift 
messengers  riding  among  the  settlements  sounded 
the  call  to  arms.  Unincumbered  by  baggage  or 
artillery,  provided  with  rifle,  hunting  knife  and 
horses,  but  little  time  elapsed  ere,  singly,  or  by 
twos  and  threes,  they  hastened  to  a  common 
rendezvous,  anxious  to  strike  a  blow  at  the  in 
vaders  of  their  territory.  Clad  for  the  most  part 
like  McDowell,  in  hunting  shirt,  leggings  and 
border  garments,  mounted  upon  swift  horses, 
experienced  in  the  use  of  the  rifle  and  hardened 
to  fatigue,  they  constituted  an  array  which  might 


70  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

well  be  feared  by  even  the  trained  veterans  of 
England. 

Such  was  the  enemy  which  arose  in  the  path 
of  Major  Ferguson,  his  eleven  hundred  regulars 
and  Tory  militia.  Aroused  to  a  sense  of  his 
danger,  the  English  commander  pushed  with  all 
speed  toward  Charlotte,  which  lay  many  miles 
away — and  as  he  proceeded  there  was  a  change 
in  the  nature  of  the  conflict. 

Hitherto  the  British  had  burned,  pillaged  and 
murdered  with  no  opposition.  Now  English 
blood  began  to  flow  ;  even  women  rushed  to  arms. 
People  dwelling  in  the  forest  gloom  came  out  of 
their  wilderness,  blocked  the  roads,  seized  provi 
sions  and  couriers,  hovered  upon  the  flanks  of  the 
red-coats  harassing  the  retreating  soldiers  by  night 
and  by  day.  Stormy  and  restive  spirits  lurked  in 
every  thicket.  The  rear-guards,  whenever  they 
looked  behind,  saw  horsemen  afar  off,  but  as  the 
troops  halted  and  waited  to  receive  them,  they 
vanished — to  appear  again  in  unexpected  places. 
The  country  was  roused,  and  the  English,  with 
thoughts  only  of  safety,  were  hurrying  toward 
Charlotte. 

Upon  the  morning  when  we  fell  in  with  the 
company  of  irregulars  hastening  toward  the  bor 
der  of  North  Carolina,  Ferguson  had  crossed  the 
line,  hotly  followed  by  a  force  of  mountaineers 
exceeding  in  numbers  his  own.  It  was  to  join 
these  that  we  rode  northward. 

McDowell  explained  to  us,  that  having  left  the 
Cowpens  the  night  before,  a  hamlet  consisting  of 
a  few  log  cabins,  the  Americans  must  be  near  the 
border,  and  that  we  were  quite  sure  to  come  up 
on  them  before  they  reached  King's  Mountain, 
where  it  was  reported  the  English  had  made  a 


WARRIORS   OF   THE    WILDERNESS.  71 

stand.  Being  well  mounted  we  pushed  forward 
rapidly,  and  very  soon  found  traces  of  those  we 
sought. 

"Another  hour,"  said  McDowell,  touching  his 
horse  with  the  spur,  "and  we  will  reach  them. 
They  can  scarce  begin  the  battle  before  we  shall 
be  able  to  take  part  in  it." 

"But,"  ventured  I,  "without  bayonets  how 
can  your  countrymen  attack  an  enemy  well  forti 
fied,  and " 

A  fleeting  smile  crossed  the  features  of  the 
mountaineer. 

"Our  manner  of  warfare  is  unknown  to  you, 
M.  de  Marc,"  replied  he,  "bayonets  have  we 
none,  but  there  are  other  means  whereby  these 
red-coats  may  be  overcome.  Perhaps  it  will  be 
made  clear  to  you." 

Rather  amazed  at  so  unusual  a  mode  of  war 
fare,  I  replied  nothing,  but  followed  my  com 
panions,  somewhat  doubting. 


72  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

KING'S   MOUNTAIN. 

FOR  another  half  hour  w.e  pushed  on  rapidly, 
noting  on  every  side  signs  betraying  the  recent 
passage  of  a  considerable  force  of  mounted  men. 
Close  to  the  North  Carolina  border,  McDowell, 
who  was  riding  a  little  in  advance,  espied  a  soli 
tary  figure  seated  beside  the  highway,  who,  as 
we  approached,  sprang  to  his  feet  and  turned  to 
ward  us  the  muzzle  of  a  rifle. 

"What  now?"  cried  the  Carolinian,  pulling  up 
his  steed  and  motioning  to  the  other  that  we  were 
friends.  "I  thought  all  loyal  men  were  hast 
ening  to  King's  Mountain.  Have  the  British 
then " 

"  Such  was  my  purpose,"  growled  the  stranger, 
still  threatening  us  with  his  weapon,  "but  yonder 
lies  the  beast  which  would  have  carried  me  for 
ward,  and  on  foot  a  man  can  scarce  reach  the 
place  before  nightfall." 

"Then,"  said  Clark,  "you  are  one  who  would 
strike  a  blow  at  Ferguson.  Is  it  long  since  they 
passed  ? " 

"  Perhaps  half  an  hour,"  replied  the  man.  "If 
you  are  not  for  the  red-coats,  hasten  forward. 
'Twas  in  my  mind  to  seize  the  horses,  but  if  for 
the  Colonies,  pass  on  in  safety  !  " 

"And  would  one  man  seek  to  contend  against 
three  horsemen  ? "  I  whispered  in  Clark's  ear. 


KING'S  MOUNTAIN.  73 

"One  would  have  received  a  rifle-ball, "  re 
plied  he,  "and  the  man  is  armed  with  a  pistol 
also." 

"  Come  !  "  cried  McDowell,  "  'tis  five  miles  to 
the  mountain  and  we  must  make  haste.'' 

Leaving  the  dismounted  soldier  standing-  most 
disconsolately  beside  the  roadway,  we  galloped 
off,  not  soaring  spurs,  for  we  hoped  to  come  upon 
the  mountain-men  before  they  attacked  the 
enemy. 

I  knew  not  the  feeling  which  stirred  my  two 
companions,  but  my  blood  tingled,  and  I  was 
full  of  excitement  at  the  prospect  of  a  battle  with 
the  English.  As  yet,  my  experience  of  war  was 
limited  to  the  skirmish  beside  the  Bourmont  home 
stead,  and  the  smell  of  powder  was  new  to  me. 
Though  not  openly  an  adherent  of  the  Americans, 
I  had,  through  force  of  circumstance,  been  drawn 
into  the  conflict  against  the  British  Crown,  and  it 
was  my  purpose  to  acquit  myself  as  became  a 
soldier  and  a  Frenchman.  At  the  moment  I  for 
got  my  errand,  also  the  consequences  which 
might  follow  did  I  fall,  or  should  I  be  taken  pris 
oner  by  the  enemy.  The  zeal  of  my  companions 
regarding  the  approaching  battle  communicated 
itself  to  me — all  else  seemed  of  secondary  im 
portance. 

Having  ridden  perhaps  twenty  furlongs,  and 
turned  a  bend  in  the  road,  we  came  suddenly 
upon  a  large  concourse  of  men  and  horses  block 
ing  the  way,  and  from  among  them  arose  the 
murmur  of  voices,  the  clatter  of  steel,  and  such 
disorder  as  follows  the  gathering  of  troops  who 
have  not  yet  learned  the  discipline  of  war. 

As  we  approached,  the  cavalcade  had  halted  ; 
some  were  sitting  quietly  in  the  saddle,  others 


74  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

having  dismounted,  talked  together  with  much 
animation.  Those  nearest,  as  they  saw  us  ad 
vance,  faced  about,  some  demanding  gruffly 
who  we  were,  and  what  was  our  business  in  the 
vicinity  of  King's  Mountain. 

"As  to  that,"  replied  McDowell,  "  you  should 
know  full  well,  Lieutenant  Peters  :  'tis  not  the 
habit  of  James  McDowell  to  be  challenged  by 
loyal  Americans." 

The  other  laughed  good-naturedly.  "Faith  !  " 
cried  he,  "our  acquaintance  was  of  short  dura 
tion,  and  the  affair  at  Camden  interrupted  it  so 
rudely  that  I  scarce  recognized  you.  You  have 
come  in  good  time  ;  within  the  hour  we  move 
against  yon  hirelings." 

"Who  are  your  leaders?  "  asked  the  Carolin 
ian,  casting  his  eyes  over  the  mounted  troopers. 

"  There  are  many,"  replied  the  lieutenant, 
"for  our  force  has  been  gathered  from  all  sec 
tions.  Colonel  Campbell  from  Virginia,  Shelby, 
Sevier,  Cleveland,  and  your  brother,  Colonel 
McDowell,  from  the  Carolinas.  There  is  also 
Williams,  with  four  hundred  riflemen  of  your 
own  district." 

"And  the  red-coats?  " 

"Are  yonder,"  replied  the  other,  pointing  in 
the  direction  of  the  mountain.  "They  hold  a 
strong  position,  but  we  will  dislodge  them.'' 

A  movement  among  one  of  the  groups  which 
had  dismounted  arrested  further  conversation.  . 
A  tall  officer,  clad  in  the  buff  and  blue  of  the 
Continentals,  approached  us.  'Twas  Colonel 
McDowell,  who,  having  perceived  his  brother, 
hastened  to  greet  him. 

"We  move  at  once,"  said  he,  "  each  force 
under  its  own  leader,  though  Colonel  Campbell 


KING'S  MOUNTAIN.  75 

has  been  chosen  as  commander.     You  will  take 
part  with  us  ?  " 

"  Both  Sergeant  Clark  and  M.  de  Marc  have  ac 
companied  me  hitherto  for  that  purpose,"  replied 
the  Carolinian. 

"The  British  are  strongly  intrenched,"  said 
his  brother,  "  but  it  matters  little.  I  would  like 
you  to  march  with  my  division  ;  to  M.  de  Marc 
I  can  promise  a  hot  conflict.  The  red-coats  are 
driven  into  a  corner  and  our  men  seek  vengeance. " 

The  American  forces  were  already  in  motion  ; 
King's  Mountain  lay  but  three  miles  distant,  and 
the  soldiers  were  eager  to  attack  the  English. 
Following  McDowell's  guidance,  Clark  and  I 
joined  the  eight  score  hardy  mountaineers  who 
constituted  his  brother's  command.  I  noted 
that  in  dress  and  figure  they  much  resembled  our 
companion;  each  was  armed  with  a  ifle  of  un 
usual  length,  a  hunting  knife,  and  a  few  carried 
pistols. 

As  we  drew  nearer  to  the  scene  of  the  prospect 
ive  conflict,  the  mountain  whereupon  was  sta 
tioned  the  enemy  loomed  up  before  us.  Rising 
out  of  a  broken  country,  separated  from  the  neigh 
boring  heights  by  a  deep  valley,  it  resembled  an 
insulated  promontory  covered  with  lofty  trees,  free 
from  underbrush  and  interspersed  with  boulders 
and  ridges  of  gray  rock.  It  was  indeed  a  strong 
position,  and  being  without  bayonets  I  feared 
the  Americans  had  little  show  of  success  in  at 
tacking  the  well  armed  and  trained  veterans  of 
Major  Ferguson. 

After  passing  over  about  two  miles  of  ground, 
and  the  opposing  force  but  another  beyond  us, 
Colonel  Campbell,  who  rode  in  advance  with  his 
four  hundred  Virginians,  halted  the  cavalcade. 


76  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

All  about  the  woods  grew  thick,  hiding  us  from 
the  eyes  of  the  English,  but  through  openings  I 
could  see  the  glitter  of  arms  upon  the  level  ridge 
which  formed  the  crest  of  the  mountain,  and  the 
bright  color  of  the  enemy's  uniforms  shone  among 
the  green  of  the  foliage. 

"Yonder  are  the  red-coats,''  said  Clark,  point 
ing  with  his  rifle  at  the  moving  patches  of  crim 
son,  "  the  battle  is  about  to  begin." 

The  air  was  clear,  and  the  crest  of  the  moun 
tain  looked  but  a  few  hundred  yards  distant. 
Toward  the  summit  the  trees  grew  more  sparsely, 
leaving  an  opening  about  which  were  scattered 
the  enemy's  soldiers  formed  in  two  lines,  and 
resting  carelessly  upon  their  arms.  Upon  the 
highest  crest  floated  the  Cross  of  St.  George, 
and  beneath  it  I  could  see  a  patch  of  white, 
which  Colonel  McDowell  said  was  the  horse  of 
Major  Ferguson.  Taking  out  my  watch  I  saw 
that  the  hour  hand  marked  three  o'clock. 

Just  then  there  was  a  sudden  movement  on 
the  part  of  the  Americans.  Each  man  slipped 
from  his  saddle  and  tied  his  horse  to  a  tree  or 
bit  of  underbrush.  Colonels  Campbell,  Williams 
and  Cleveland  were  the  last  to  dismount,  for, 
riding  among  the  men,  they  directed  the  arrange 
ment  of  positions. 

The  mountaineers  formed  in  three  divisions, 
each  with  rifle  in  hand,  and  knife  or  pistol  ready - 
a  few  beside  the  officers  carried  swords,  and 
I  saw  an  ax  or  two,  for  men  of  all  conditions 
had  joined  the  expedition.  As  I  stood  beside 
my  horse  gazing  upon  the  scene  with  much 
curiosity,  Colonel  McDowell  approached. 

"I  warrant,"  said  he,  "that  our  mountain 
warfare  is  not  familiar  to  M.  de  Marc,  and  that 


KING'S  MOUNTAIN.  77 

the  force  here  gathered,  presents  to  the  eye  of 
one  accustomed  to  look  upon  the  regulars  of 
France,  a  poor  showing." 

I  made  a  gesture  of  dissent. 

"Nay,"  said  he,  smiling,  "the  ways  of  my 
countrymen  are  rude,  and  perhaps  strange  to  a 
foreigner,  but  they  are  brave,  and  will  attack 
yon  British  hirelings  with  small  thought  of  fear." 

"  But  without  bayonets!"  ventured  I,  "how 
can  you  expect  to  overcome  the  enemy  ?  " 

"It  was  done,"  replied  he,  "at  Bennington  ; 
Stark  drove  the  red-coats  from  their  intrenchment 
with  clubs  and  rifles.  You  perceive  that  our 
force  is  formed  in  three  divisions.  We  will 
storm  the  heights  from  as  may  sides.  Campbell 
and  Shelby  will  lead  the  center,  Cleveland  and 
Williams  the  left,  while  Sevier  and  I  will  advance 
upon  the  right,  past  yonder  grove  of  pines  ;  "  he 
pointed  with  his  sword  to  a  cluster  of  giant  trees 
half-way  up  the  mountain  side. 

"I  propose  to  advance  with  you,"  said  I; 
"there  must  be  a  place  for  me  among  the  men." 

He  pondered  for  a  moment,  turning  an  inquir 
ing  glance  upon  Clark,  who  stood  somewhat 
behind  me,  leaning  upon  his  rifle. 

"It  would  be  better, "  said  he,  ' '  for  M.  de  Marc 
to  remain  in  the  rear."  Then,  as  he  saw  my 
brow  redden  :  "It  is  no  question  of  courage, 
but  our  style  of  fighting  is  unfamiliar  to  you. 
The  men  will  advance  with  caution,  keeping 
well  behind  the  rocks  and  trees  ;  if  you  appear 
in  the  open,  a  dozen  British  muskets  would  mark 
you  for  a  target." 

Clark  noilded  grimly.  " 'Tis  kindly  advice," 
said  he,  "  and  M.  de  Marc  has  but  to  follow  the 
manner  of  the  mountaineers.  I  warrant  oppor- 


78  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

tunity  will  arise  to  strike  a  blow  at  these  Brit 
ishers/' 

Despite  my  momentary  anger  at  the  Colonel's 
suggestion,  I  perceived  clearly  the  wisdom  of 
his  advice,  yet  I  resolved  to  follow  the  Carolin 
ians  and  take  part  in  the  battle. 

The  soldiers  were  now  ready  for  the  attack. 
The  right  and  left  divisions  moved  off  through 
the  forest,  that  they  might  reach  their  positions 
upon  the  enemy's  flank  before  the  central  force, 
under  Campbell  and  Shelby,  should  advance  to 
ward  the  Englishmen.  Following  Colonel  Mc 
Dowell's  suggestion  I  remained  beside  my  horse, 
from  whence  I  could  see  the  whole  side  of  the 
mountain,  and  watch  the  progress  of  the  flank 
ing  parties  when  they  should  come  out  upon  the 
ridge. 

For  an  hour  I  awaited  breathlessly  the  signal 
which  would  tell  the  commander  that  the  right 
and  left  divisions  had  gained  their  positions,  and 
were  moving  up  the  mountain-side.  It  came  ;  a 
report,  followed  by  a  puff  of  white  smoke  which 
arose  above  the  foliage  to  my  left.  Looking 
again  at  my  watch  I  saw  it  was  four  o'clock. 

"  'Tis  the  fire  of  a  British  picket, "said  a  moun 
taineer  at  my  elbow,  ' '  the  advance  of  Williams 
has  been  discovered." 

It  was  true.  Far  up  the  mountain  there  was  a 
commotion  among  the  red-coated  troops,  and  the 
muffled  roll  of  a  drum  reached  my  ear. 

At  the  report  of  the  picket's  musket,  the  Amer 
icans  around  me  were  in  motion.  Led  by  their 
officers,  the  divisions  moved  forward  at  a  brisk 
run  toward  the  base  of  the  incline,  on  the  sum 
mit  of  which  the  enemy  awaited  them.  Resolved 
not  to  remain  a  spectator  only,  to  the  stirring 


KING'S  MOUNTAIN.  79 

scenes  which  were  being  enacted  about  me,  I 
followed  the  rear  of  the  attacking  column,  pushing 
with  it  up  the  gentle  slope  of  the  mountain.  I 
was  armed  but  with  sword  and  pistols,  so  there 
was  little  chance  for  me  to  engage  the  enemy  if 
we  came  not  to  close  quarters.  But  the  fever  of 
battle  was  upon  me,  and  to  remain  behind  was 
to  my  mind  a  disgrace  to  the  name  of  France. 

For  a  quarter  of  a  mile  the  mountaineers 
advanced  rapidly,  the  combatants  not  being  yet 
within  rifle  distance.  Looking  upward  through 
the  openings  between  the  trees,  I  saw  the  red- 
coated  line  standing  in  battle  array.  From  our 
left  and  right  came  sharp  reports  ;  the  flash  of 
fire  amid  the  foliage,  and  puffs  of  smoke  increas 
ing  as  the  discharges  from  the  rifles  of  Williams' 
and  McDowell's  men  became  more  frequent. 
They  had  come  within  range  of  the  enemy,  and 
I  saw  half  a  score  of  the  British  fall,  killed  or 
wounded.  Suddenly  a  burst  of  flame  covered  the 
front  of  the  red-coated  line  ;  'twas  followed  by 
defiant  shouts  on  the  part  of  the  Americans. 

The  column  of  which  I  was  a  part  drew  nearer 
to  the  summit  :  a  soldier  in  front  of  me  raised  his 
firearm,  took  careful  aim,  and  at  the  flash  I  saw 
one  of  the  enemy  tumble  headlong.  We  were 
within  rifle  range  ;  the  battle  had  begun  in 
earnest.  The  example  of  the  mountaineer  was 
followed  by  many  others  ;  no  one  waited  the 
order  to  fire  ;  each  was  his  own  master  and  com 
mander.  On  every  side  rifles  cracked  incessantly, 
and  for  the  first  time  I  witnessed  the  manner  of 
fighting  in  the  wilderness.  Upon  reaching  a 
point  half-way  up  the  mountain,  the  column  broke 
as  if  by  magic  its  formation,  each  man  seeking  a 
tree  or  other  shelter,  from  behind  which  he  fired 


80  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

at  the  enemy.  From  tree  to  tree  they  darted, 
advancing  steadily,  but  seldom  exposing  their 
persons  to  the  aim  of  the  British  regulars. 

We  had  in  this  manner  reached  a  narrow 
ledge  of  rock  which  separated  us  from  the  more 
open  ground  in  front  of  the  enemy's  line,  when  I 
felt  my  shoulder  seized  by  a  powerful  hand,  and 
was  forced  downward  upon  my  knees.  At  the 
same  instant  a  crashing  volley  from  the  summit 
sent  a  shower  of  bullets  over  me.  The  moun 
taineer,  who  had  thus  opportunely  saved  me  from 
instant  death,  or  a  serious  wound,  laughed 
hoarsely. 

"  Stranger,"  said  he,  "  would  you  set  yourself 
up  as  a  mark  for  those  above  ?  With  trees  in 
plenty  there  is  small  need  to  expose  oneself  so 
recklessly." 

I  would  have  replied,  but  a  scattering  of  shots 
from  the  British  drove  my  rescuer  to  shelter,  nor 
did  I  hesitate  to  follow  his  example.  I  saw  him 
no  more,  and  whether  he  was  killed  or  forgot  the 
incident,  I  know  not. 

The  enemy  having  fired  upon  our  forces  with 
out  avail,  a  short  lull  followed  the  conflict,  save 
for  the  sharp  crack  of  the  American  rifles.  As  I 
stood  behind  a  tree  looking  upward,  I  perceived 
that  Major  Ferguson  had  resolved  to  force  the 
assailants  from  the  mountain-side.  Suddenly  the 
red  line  with  leveled  bayonets  were  rushing  upon 
us,  driving  all  before  them.  Those  about  me 
discharged  their  rifles  at  the  advancing  regulars, 
but  the  gleam  of  the  steel  and  the  determination 
of  those  who  held  it  were  more  than  a  match  for 
the  poorly  armed  raw  troops.  On  all  sides  the 
mountaineers  fled  down  the  slope,  and  I  thought 
the  battle  lost,  when  the  forces  of  Williams  and 


KING'S    MOUNTAIN.  8 1 

McDowell  turned  the  tide  of  victory.  Posted  as 
they  were  on  the  flanks  of  the  advancing  line, 
sheltered  by  rocks  and  trees,  deadly  shots  with 
the  rifle,  they  poured  a  storm  of  lead  into  the 
exultant  Englishmen  which  threw  their  formation 
into  confusion. 

Ferguson,  beside  himself  with  rage  that  a  hand 
ful  of  countrymen  should  hold  in  check  his  trained 
veterans,  ordered  them  to  fall  upon  those  who 
occupied  his  flanks.  In  turn  each  flanking  party 
was  driven,  but  those  who  had  before  retreated 
returned  to  the  fight  with  renewed  energy.  The 
British  were  surrounded  on  three  sides  ;  the  forest 
rung  with  the  crack  of  hidden  rifles  fired  by  un 
seen  foes.  Men  were  falling  in  the  red-coated 
ranks  ;  I  saw  an  officer,  the  foremost  in  a  charge, 
stagger  backward,  then  roll  over  and  over  down 
the  slope,  clutching  at  the  ground  in  his  agony. 
More  followed  ;  soldiers  fell  by  tens,  leaving 
wide  gaps  in  the  wavering  ranks,  but  behind  their 
trees  the  riflemen  were  safe  from  harm. 

I  was  astounded  at  the  hardihood  and  bravery 
of  my  companions  ;  fleeing  before  the  bayonets, 
they  turned  suddenly,  and  like  wolves  when 
scattered,  returning  to  the  attack  in  twos  and 
threes,  they  fell  upon  the  British  when  least  ex 
pected. 

Ferguson  on  his  white  horse  seemed  every 
where,  but  he  saw  the  battle  was  against  him. 
As  I  crouched  behind  a  tree  watching  the  man  in 
much  excitement,  the  voice  of  Clark  sounded  in 
my  ear. 

"  He  is  brave,"  said  he,  "but  deprived  of  their 
leader    the    red- coats    will    speedily    surrender. 
Lower,    M.  de  Marc,  your  hat  hides  the  fellow's 
heart  !  " 
6 


82  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

Turning,  I  saw  the  ranger  level  his  rifle,  hold 
ing  it  with  a  steadiness  which  made  man  and 
weapon  as  one.  With  deliberation  he  ran  his 
eye  along  the  barrel,  a  jet  of  flame  leaped  from 
the  muzzle,  and — the  white  horse  had  lost  its 
rider. 

Clark  dropped  the  butt  of  his  rifle  to  the  ground. 
"  'Twas  a  fair  shot  and  the  red-coat  was  a  likely 
mark.  He  will  trouble  the  Colonies  no  more." 

Upon  the  fall  of  the  English  commander  a 
shout  of  triumph  arose  from  the  Americans.  The 
red  line  wavered,  then,  breaking  in  confusion, 
fled  up  the  mountain.  Clark  coolly  reloaded  his 
rifle. 

"  You  have  seen/'  said  he,  "the  temper  of  the 
Carolinas  ;  the  battle  will  soon  be  over. " 

Turning  my  eyes  toward  the  summit  I  could 
see  that  the  enemy's  formation  was  hopelessly 
broken.  The  regulars,  in  their  scarlet  uniforms, 
and  the  Tories,  some  in  citizens'  garb,  were  hud 
dled  together  seeking  to  shelter  themselves  from 
the  still  deadly  fire  of  the  victorious  moun 
taineers. 

"  It  has  become  a  slaughter,"  cried  I,  turning 
to  Clark  and  the  half  score  of  Americans  who 
were  gathered  about  me.  "  Can  the  firing  not 
cease  ?  '' 

One  of  the  mountaineers  laughed  harshly. 
"  Fight  they  not  so  in  France  ?  "  said  he  ;  "  if  the 
red-coats  would  save  their  skins  let  them  surren 
der  ;  till  then — "  he  raised  his  rifle,  sending  a 
bullet  into  the  confused  mass  above. 

He  who  had  succeeded  Major  Ferguson  saw,  in 
deed,  that  to  resist  longer  would  be  sheer  mad 
ness.  The  report  of  the  mountaineer's  rifle  had 
scarce  died  away,  when  a  white  flag  appeared 


KING'S  MOUNTAIN.  83 

above  the  enemy,  and  as  though  by  magic  the 
fire  of  the  Americans  ceased. 

With  the  others,  I  hurried  to  the  summit  where 
stood  the  defeated  and  crestfallen  Englishmen. 
Each  had  thrown  down  his  arms  ;  eight  hundred 
prisoners  at  the  mercy  of  the  fierce  warriors  of  the 
wilderness. 

McDowell,  who,  during  the  battle,  I  had  not 
seen,  approached  in  company  with  his  brother 
and  Colonel  Campbell.  Upon  seeing  me  his  face 
brightened. 

"We  have  beaten  the  red-coats,"  said  he. 
"Camden  is  partly  avenged." 

A  movement  among  the  mountaineers  attracted 
my  attention.  Certain  of  the  Carolinians  had 
surrounded  a  half  score  of  the  prisoners  and  ap 
proached  the  officers. 

"They  are  Tories,  thieves  and  murderers," 
Colonel  McDowell  whispered  in  my  ear,  "and 
'tis  the  purpose  of  my  countrymen  to  avenge  the 
slaughter  of  their  wives  and  children." 

Aghast  at  his  words  I  could  reply  nothing,  but 
listened  to  the  leader  of  those  who  guarded  the 
prisoners. 

"These  are  not  Englishmen,"  said  he,  "but 
ruffians,  against  whom  every  honest  hand  is 
turned.  Protected  by  the  arms  of  King  George, 
they  have  despoiled  our  homes,  ravished  our 
wives  and  daughters,  and  slain  boys  and  old  men  ; 
we  demand  but  justice,  they  having  fallen  into 
our  hands." 

Of  what  followed  little  can  be  said.  It  seemed 
but  just  that  those  who  by  their  acts  had  placed 
themselves  beyond  the  pale  of  mercy,  should 
meet  their  fate  at  the  hands  of  the  ones  whose 
wives  and  children  they  had  destroyed.  Be- 


84  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

fore  the  mountaineers  left  the  vicinity  of  King's 
Mountain  the  ten  Tories  were  hanged  to  a  giant 
tree  ;  the  remaining  prisoners  were  unharmed. 

After  gaining  so  great  a  victory  the  riflemen 
departed  to  their  homes,  with  little  fear  that  Lord 
Cornvvallis  would  venture  forth  from  Charlotte 
into  South  Carolina. 

The  battle  of  King's  Mountain  being  over,  and 
the  British  so  rudely  handled,  I  set  out  with  my 
two  companions  for  the  south,  where  Constance 
Bourmont  and  her  escort  of  countrymen  awaited 
us. 


HOW   THREE   CAME   TO    CHESTER.  85 


CHAPTER   VIII. 
HOW  THREE  CAME  TO  CHESTER. 

THE  woodland  was  black  with  shadows,  when, 
fatigued  by  many  hours  in  the  saddle,  I  found 
myself  on  the  outskirts  of  the  town  of  Chester. 
My  companions  rode  in  silence,  each  intent  upon 
his  own  thoughts.  Constance  Bourmont  was  not 
with  us,  and  it  was  this  which  set  a  look  of  stern 
ness  upon  the  faces  of  the  Americans,  and  filled 
my  heart  with  dark  forebodings.  Where  the  maid 
might  be  we  knew  not,  yet  comprehended  well 
that  danger  threatened  her,  and  from  a  source 
which  even  the  keen  mind  of  the  Carolinian  had 
not  foreseen.  Thrice  I  saw  him  press  his  lips  to 
gether  and  knit  his  brows,  as  though  seeking  to 
solve  a  problem  which  eluded  him  ;  as  to  Clark, 
he  rode  with  downcast  eyes,  his  rifle  resting  idly 
across  the  saddle,  and  his  tall  form  swaying  with 
the  motion  of  his  animal. 

The  calamity  which  had  befallen  us  came  sud 
denly.  Having  ridden  in  haste  from  King's 
Mountain  on  the  morning  following  the  battle, 
we  reached  the  company  of  irregulars  halted  in  a 
little  hamlet  some  miles  from  the  scene  of  con 
flict.  Upon  perceiving  me,  the  leader  seemed 
much  astonished  and  asked  how,  having  been 
but  a  few  hours  before  in  the  south,  I  had  ridden 
from  the  north  in  company  with  the  two  Amer 
icans. 


86  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

"What  ill-timed  jesting  is  this?  "asked  Mc 
Dowell  sharply.  "  M.  de  Marc  was  present  at  the 
battle.  It  was  but  this  morning  we  left  King's 
Mountain." 

A  look  of  perplexity  crossed  the  face  of  the 
irregular.  "Of  that  I  know  not,"  said  he,  "but 
his  messenger  came  from  the  south,  bidding  the 
maid 

"Mistress  Bourmont !  "  cried  I,  "is  she  then 
not  with  you  ? " 

The  countryman  shook  his  head.  "It  is  some 
six  hours,"  replied  he,  "since  she  rode  away,  be 
ing  of  a  mind  to  reach  her  brother's  side." 

Clark  and  McDowell  exchanged  glances. 

"What  messenger  ?  "  demanded  the  latter  stern 
ly.  "M.  de  Marc  has  sent  none." 

The  leader  of  the  irregulars  stared  stupidly. 

"Come!"  cried  McDowell  in  a  voice  of  au 
thority,  "  where  has  the  maid  gone,  and  with 
whom  ?  " 

"To  the  wounded  near  Camden,"  replied  the 
man,  "  a  messenger  came  to  us  from  the  south." 

"And  what  said  he?"  asked  Clark. 

"That  one  Captain  Bourmont  was  sore  stricken 
and  the  Frenchman  who  had  hastened  to  his  side 
wished  the  maid  to  accompany  his  messenger 
without  delay,  or  she  might  not  again  see  her 
brother  alive." 

I  would  have  cried  out,  so  great  was  my  as 
tonishment,  but  McDowell  forestalled  me. 

"  How  did  this  man  look  ? "  asked  he  sharply, 
"  did  he  show  a  letter?  " 

"  Not  so,"  replied  the  other,  "he  was  a  coun 
tryman  of  whom  I  have  some  remembrance, 
having  met  him  at  Red  House ;  he  dwells  close 
by  the  tavern." 


HOW   THREE   CAME   TO    CHESTER.  87 

An  oath  fell  from  the  Carolinian's  lips.  "  T\vas 
a  trick!"  cried  he;  "the  girl  has  been  lured 
away." 

Perchance  astonishment  had  dulled  my  wits, 
for  a  full  understanding  of  the  matter  did  not  at 
once  come  to  me  ;  not  so  with  Clark. 

"  Tis  the  knave  we  left  at  Red  House,"  said 
he.  "While  lying  bound  without  the  tavern  he 
heard  our  conversation  and  the  errand  of  Mistress 
Bourmont  to  the  Carolinas. '' 

The  truth  flashed  upon  me.  Major  Brooks, 
feigning  unconsciousness,  had  listened  to  the 
story  of  Mistress  Bourmont,  and  his  quick  wit  hit 
upon  a  plan  whereby  he  might  avenge  the  insults 
heaped  upon  him  by  my  companions.  He  doubt 
less  saw  us  ride  away  leaving  him  to  the  mercy 
of  the  landlord,  and  when  released,  devised  a  plan 
which  ill-fortune  favored.  Perhaps  Captain 
Bourmont  may  have  been  known  to  him  ;  if  so 
his  task  was  but  the  easier.  Following  us,  he 
knew  of  our  departure  for  King's  Mountain,  and 
that  the  girl  was  guarded  by  those  whose  wits 
were  not  as  sharp  as  their  loyalty  to  the  cause. 
Mistress  Bourmont  was  a  woman,  and  the  knowl 
edge  of  her  brother's  needs  would  remove  any 
scruples  which  might  arise  in  her  mind. 

I  had  trusted  the  American  officer  but  little, 
and  thought  I  perceived  there  lay  within  him  a 
certain  craftiness  which  is  often  given  to  evil 
minds,  and  when  turned  to  account,  furthers  the 
ends  of  its  possessor.  It  required  small  percep 
tion  to  follow  the  plan  which  had  thrown  me  into 
despair.  With  the  knowledge  of  Mistress  Con 
stance's  errand  in  the  south,  Major  Brooks  seized 
upon  our  absence  to  lure  the  unsuspecting  girl 
into  his  power.  I  doubted  not,  that  having  sent 


88  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

his  hireling  to  the  camp  of  the  irregulars,  he  lay 
in  wait  beside  the  highway,  when,  she  being  de 
livered  over  to  him,  he  might  revenge  himself, 
both  upon  her  and  those  who  had  overcome  him 
at  the  inn.  The  thought  filled  me  with  keenest 
anguish,  nor  were  my  companions  less  moved 
by  the  danger  which  surrounded  her  whom  we 
had  promised  to  protect. 

Upon  the  faces  of  the  Americans  rage  suc 
ceeded  the  shadow  of  anxiety.  The  bronze  of 
the  ranger's  complexion  changed  to  a  dull  red, 
and  the  lines  about  his  mouth  hardened. 

"Sir, "said he,  turning  to  McDowell,  "  let  us  go 
quickly  ;  the  maid  has  need  of  us,  and  it  ill-befits 
our  manhood  that  this  traitor  see  another  sunset. 
The  country  is  familiar  to  you,  therefore " 

The  Carolinian  withdrew  his  eyes  from  con 
templation  of  the  roadway.  " 'Tis  even  so," 
said  he  shortly,  "but  we  have  maybe  many 
miles  to  travel  before  we  find  her.  If  M.  de 
Marc " 

"Forward!"  cried  I,  "we  have  tarried  too 
long  already  ;  if  we  can  but  find  the  maid 

"  That  we  will,"  interrupted  McDowell  sternly, 
"even  though  it  be  within  the  British  lines." 

The  words,  simple  but  so  decided,  raised  my 
drooping  hopes,  the  more  so  that  actions  pro 
claimed  his  earnestness.  Gathering  from  the 
leader  of  the  irregulars  such  knowledge  as  he 
possessed,  the  direction  taken  by  Mistress  Bour- 
mont,  a  description  of  her  escort,  and  the  time 
which  had  elapsed  since  they  departed,  he  put 
spurs  to  his  horse  and  galloped  southward. 

It  was  thus  we  rode  into  Chester  early  in  the 
evening  and  drew  rein  before  the  door  of  the 
tavern  to  which  McDowell  led  us.  Weary  and 


HOW   THREE   CAME   TO    CHESTER.  89 

heavy-hearted  I  alighted  from  the  saddle,  scarce 
noticing'  the  bustling  landlord,  or  the  curious 
faces  of  the  score  of  countrymen,  who,  aroused 
by  our  coming,  hastened  to  surround  us. 

"We  will  pass  the  night  here,  "said  McDowell; 
"perhaps  some  news  may  come  to  us  of  those 
we  seek.  The  country  is  not  so  large  that  three 
horsemen,  and  one  a  woman,  should  ride  unob 
served." 

"But  if  they  came  not  to  Chester?"  I  ven 
tured. 

"  As  to  that."  replied  the  Carolinian,  "  we  shall 
learn  presently  ;  men  and  beasts  are  now  weary, 
and  without  rest  we  can  accomplish  little." 

Just  then  he  ceased  abruptly,  to  return  the 
greeting  of  one  who,  pushing  his  way  through 
the  crowd,  advanced  with  much  show  of  wel 
come.  I  noted  that  the  countrymen  treated  the 
newcomer  with  much  respect,  drawing  aside  for 
him  to  pass,  and  whispering  to  each  other  ear 
nestly. 

Who  the  man  was,  of  course,  I  knew  not,  and 
little  in  his  appearance  warranted  their  actions. 
Beside  McDowell,  who,  having  dismounted, 
greeted  him  courteously,  the  stranger  seemed  a 
person  of  small  consequence.  Of  slight  stature, 
quiet  demeanor  and  a  face  of  much  gentleness, 
he  might  have  been  taken  for  a  peaceful  farmer 
of  the  neighborhood,  had  it  not  been  for  his  uni 
form.  Yet  there  was  that  in  his  countenance, 
the  expression  of  his  thin  lips,  and  a  restlessness  of 
the  eyes,  which  told  of  something  more  than  or 
dinary  lying  behind  the  calm  exterior. 

Returning  McDowell's  greeting  he  cast  a  keen 
glance  upon  me,  for  my  dress  was  not  familiar 
in  the  Carolinas.  McDowell  hastened  to  explain. 


90  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

"  Tis  M.  de  Marc,"  said  he,  "whom  General 
Lafayette  has " 

At  mention  of  my  countryman  a  look  of  pleas 
ure  crossed  the  features  of  the  stranger. 

"It  is  a  name  dear  to  each  American  heart," 
said  he,  courteously  extending  his  hand  ;  "we 
can  offer  scant  hospitality  in  Chester,  for  Corn- 
wallis  has  stripped  the  country,  but  to  such  as 
remains,  a  friend  of  Lafayette  is  doubly  wel 
come." 

Pleased  at  so  cordial  a  greeting  from  a  stranger, 
I  would  have  replied,  but  his  attention  being 
drawn  for  the  moment  by  the  Carolinian,  I  in 
quired  of  a  countryman  the  name  of  the  officer 
who  had  so  honored  me. 

"'Tis  General  Marion,"  replied  he,  "there  is 
no  braver  man  throughout  the  Carolinas. " 

I  did  not  then  know  the  reputation  of  the  sol 
dier  who  stood  before  me,  but  later  learned  the 
worth  of  him  whom  the  English  styled  the 
"  Swamp  Fox."  Brave,  but  never  rashly  seeking 
danger,  careful  of  the  lives  of  his  men  as  he  was 
careless  of  his  own  in  battle,  he  was  the  idol  of 
his  soldiers  and  the  south. 

Awaiting  some  action  on  the  part  of  McDowell, 
I  was  joined  by  Clark,  who,  having  remained 
in  the  saddle,  had  been  a  silent  witness  to  the 
conference  between  Marion  and  the  Carolinian. 

Suddenly  the  former  turned  and  saluted  us. 
"Gentlemen,"  said  he,  "certain  business  de 
mands  immediate  attention,  otherwise  I  would 
join  you  in  the  tavern  ;  before  long  I  hope  to  do 
myself  that  honor."  So  saying  he  disappeared 
among  the  countrymen,  leaving  us  to  follow 
McDowell  into  the  dwelling. 

"Fortune  favors  us,"  said  he.      "Marion  has 


OFTEN    ONLY    A    HANDFUL    OF    TROOPERS    RODE    WITH    HIM."       P.     91. 


HOW   THREE   CAME   TO    CHESTER.          QI 

promised  to  lend  what  aid  he  can,  though  more 
pressing  duties  have  drawn  him  to  Chester." 

"Then  you  told  him  ;  "  ventured  I. 

"But  a  word,"  replied  the  Carolinian,  "he 
wishes  to  learn  more  of  the  matter  ;  if  this  Major 
Brooks  remains  in  the  Carolinas,  Marion  will  find 
him." 

Our  conversation  was  interrupted  by  the  en 
trance  of  a  servant,  who  spread  before  us  such  pro 
visions  as  the  house  afforded,  nor  did  it  seem  that 
the  sharp  eyes  of  the  British  foragers  could  have 
found  the  larder  of  the  worthy  landlord. 

During  the  meal  I  inquired  of  McDowell  con 
cerning  General  Marion.  In  common  with  the 
men  of  the  south  he  cherished  feelings  of  enthu 
siasm  and  trust  for  that  officer. 

"I  little  thought  to  find  him  here, "said  he, 
"  for  it  is  his  habit  to  hover  on  the  flank  of  the 
enemy,  so  that  his  name  has  become  to  Corn- 
wallis  an  ill-omen." 

•'And,"  I  asked,   "are  you  of  his  squadron  ?  " 

A  smile  flitted  across  the  face  of  the  Carolinian. 
"It  is  my  fortune  to  serve  under  him,"  replied 
he,  "but  as  to  squadrons;  the  resources  of  the 
south  are  few,  and  our  forces  widely  scattered. 
With  a  squadron  Marion  would  drive  the  British 
into  the  sea." 

Seeing  that  I  knew  little  of  the  matter,  he  went 
on  to  speak  of  the  force  of  Marion  being  but  too 
small.  At  times  numbering  scarce  three  score 
men,  then,  one  nightfall  would  find  a  hundred 
hardy  troopers  under  his  command,  another  see 
them  gone,  only  a  handful  remaining  to  ride  with 
him  against  the  British. 

I  was  wondering  how  a  general  could  do  battle 
with  scarce  a  corporal's  guard  to  follow  him, 


Q2  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

when  a.  clatter  without  announced  an  arrival, 
and  the  landlord  swinging1  wide  the  door  made 
way  that  Marion  himself  might  enter. 

Crossing  to  the  table  he  joined  us  without  cere 
mony,  inquired  how  we  fared,  and  if  we  had  re 
covered  from  our  tiresome  ride. 

"The  country  is  somewhat  rough,"  said  he, 
turning  to  me,  "and  holds  little  comfort  for  a 
stranger.  In  France,  M.  de  Marc,  such  hard 
ships  are  unknown." 

"Sir,"  said  I,  with  a  feeling  that  he  thought  me 
ill-fitted  for  rude  warfare,  ' '  the  soldiers  of  France 
are  taught  to " 

"  Nay,"  replied  he  with  a  grave  smile,  "  far  be 
it  from  me  to  underrate  the  hardiness  of  a  French 
soldier ;  they  have  befriended  us  in  the  hour  of 
our  need. "  Then:  "But  of  your  errand  to  the 
Carolinas,  McDowell  says  you  seek  a  wounded 
officer — Captain  Bourmont. " 

"It  was  in  part  my  purpose,"  replied  I, 
"but  another  matter  has  arisen  ;  Mistress  Bour 
mont " 

He  tapped  for  a  moment  upon  the  table.  "  Of 
that  I  have  also  heard  something,"  said  he;  "the 
maid  has  not  been  in  Chester." 

"Sir,"  said  Clark  with  much  earnestness,  "do 
you  know  anything  of  this  Major  Brooks?  " 

The  General  thought  for  a  moment.  "  His 
name  is  not  familiar  to  me,"  replied  he,  "but 
some  one  in  my  command  may  know  concern 
ing  him.  If  you  will  tell  me  plainly  all  circum 
stances  relating  to  Mistress  Bourmont,  I  may  be 
able  to  assist  you." 

He  remained  with  eyes  cast  down,  one  hand 
toying  idly  with  a  knife  upon  the  table,  while 
Clark  and  the  Carolinian  related  the  incidents  of 


HOW    THREE   CAME    TO    CHESTER.  93 

the  past  two  days.  As  they  concluded  he  nod 
ded  gravely. 

"The  maid  has  been  carried  away,"  said  he, 
"  yet  there  are  some  who  have  seen  her,  it  could 
scarce  be  otherwise.  This  Major  Brooks,  if  indeed 
it  is  he  who  has  taken  her,  would  scarce  venture 
toward  Chester  and  the  south,  being  sure  that 
there  you  would  search  for  him." 

"But,"  cried  I,  overcome  by  anxiety,  "we 
cannot  tarry  here,  when  she,  who  trusted  to  our 
care,  lies  in  great  danger.  If  we  do  not  find 
her " 

The  Americans,  less  demonstrative  than  the 
sons  of  France,  sat  quietly,  and  in  their  calmness 
I  too  grew  less  excited,  though  feeling  compelled 
to  cry  out  against  the  lawlessness  of  a  region, 
where  innocent  women  were  liable  to  suffer  from 
the  unscrupulousness  of  any  planning  villain. 

The  unimpassioned  voice  of  the  Carolinian 
replied  to  my  warm  words. 

' '  Whatever  means  lie  within  our  power  will  be 
used  to  rescue  Mistress  Bourmont  ;  yet,  I  think 
no  great  danger  threatens  her.  If  he  whom  we 
have  reason  to  suspect  has  carried  her  away,  he 
will  not  go  far  ;  the  girl  has  spirit,  and  even  here 
there  is  some  check  to  lawlessness." 

Of  the  three,  Marion,  being  of  more  gentle  stock 
than  the  others,  comprehended  better  my  feelings 
as  a  soldier  and  a  man. 

"I  can  understand,"  said  he,  and  there  was  a 
note  of  sympathy  in  his  voice,  "that  M.  de  Marc 
is  deeply  troubled  at  the  misfortune  fallen  upon 
Mistress  Bourmont  ;  but  I  think  it  may  not  be  as 
difficult  a  matter  to  find  her  as  you  fear.  If  she 
rode  southward  there  are  many  in  this  neighbor 
hood  who  would  have  seen  her,  but  if  a  prisoner 


94  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

to  Major  Brooks,  there  will  be  more  likelihood  of 
success  if  you  turn  to  the  north.  At  daybreak  I 
will  ride  that  way,  my  errand  in  Chester  being 
accomplished,  and  it  would  be  well  for  you  to 
accompany  me." 

My  companions  nodded  their  approval,  while  I 
hastened  to  express  my  gratitude  for  his  kindly 
offer. 

"We  of  the  south/' replied  he  gravely,  "are 
ever  ready  to  succor  the  unfortunate,  and  Mis 
tress  Bourmont  is  a  patriot." 

He  arose  and  extended  his  hand  ;  McDowell  ac 
companied  him  to  the  door,  his  huge  figure  tower 
ing  a  full  head  above  that  of  his  commander. 
Marion  turned  upon  the  threshold. 

"Sir,"  said  he,  "  we  start  at  sunrise  ;  a  night's 
rest  will  relieve  somewhat  your  anxiety,  there 
fore  I  would  advise  you  to  at  once  seek  repose." 


THE   CABIN    IN   THE   FOREST.  9$ 


CHAPTER   IX. 

THE  CABIN  IN  THE  FOREST. 

THE  war  of  the  Colonies  against  the  British 
Crown  has  long  since  ceased  ;  naught  remains 
but  history.  During  that  time  I  had  many  ad 
ventures,  and  from  them  learned  to  more  fully 
comprehend  the  courage  and  endurance  of  those 
whom  we  of  the  older  world  had  been  taught  to 
place  below  our  plane,  associating  them  with  the 
wilderness  in  which  they  dwelt,  where  the  pomp 
and  glitter  of  courts  and  kings  were  unknown, 
and  where  men  left  their  plows  to  take  up  the 
sword  for  the  cause  they  loved. 

Above  all,  that  which  astonished  me  the  most, 
was  the  braveness  of  the  women  of  the  Colonies  ; 
among  them  Constance  Bourmont  was  a  unit, 
but  of  her  I  speak  more  freely,  being  an  actor  in 
the  drama  of  which  she  was  the  central  figure. 
There  were  others  who  passed  through  blood  and 
fire  for  those  most  dear  to  them,  but  to  their 
deeds  I  was  a  stranger,  knowing  naught  of  them 
save  through  report,  and  it  was  from  living  lips 
came  the  simple  tale  which  is  needed  to  explain 
what  befell  the  maid,  while  I  with  my  companions 
and  General  Marion  sought  to  pierce  the  dark 
ness  caused  by  a  mighty  cloud  of  misfortune  which 
enveloped  us,  and  turned  me  for  a  time  from  the 
errand  which  had  sent  me  to  the  Colonies. 

With  much  misgiving,  she  received  as  she  sup- 


96  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

posed  my  message,  and  prepared  to  accompany 
the  bearer  of  it  to  the  vicinity  of  Camden,  where 
her  brother  lay  wounded.  While  she  was  unable 
to  comprehend  the  reason  that  I,  having  ridden 
northward  in  company  with  Clark  and  the  Caro 
linian,  should  have  come  so  unexpectedly  to  Cap 
tain  Bourmont,  the  knowledge  that  he  was  per 
haps  dying,  and  in  order  to  see  him  alive  once 
more  there  was  need  of  haste,  governed  her  action. 
She  could  learn  but  little  from  the  countryman 
who  had  constituted  himself  her  guide.  The  man 
was  dull  of  wit,  and  to  her  questions  replied 
briefly,  or  not  at  all  ;  he  knew  only,  that  it  was 
his  mission  to  accompany  her  to  the  south,  that 
haste  was  necessary,  for  the  route  was  long,  and 
Chester  must  be  reached  before  nightfall. 

Bidding  adieu  to  the  irregulars  she  set  out  in 
company  with  her  guide,  upon  the  highway 
which  led  to  the  south  where  she  supposed  I  was 
awaiting  her. 

Some  few  miles  from  the  hamlet  in  which  her 
late  companions  had  made  their  camp,  one  of 
those  many  roads,  which  are  to  be  found  so 
frequently  throughout  the  Carolinas,  led  at  right 
angles  from  the  main  thoroughfare.  Into  this 
her  guide  turned,  nor  did  she  question  him,  as  to 
her  the  country  was  not  familiar,  and  the  man 
knowing  it,  she  could  but  trust  him. 

For  half  a  league  the  way  lay  through  the  open 
country,  a  place  of  exceeding  wilderness,  with 
scarce  a  dwelling  anywhere,  nor  sign  of  human 
habitation.  Presently  the  ground  became  more 
broken  ;  from  time  to  time  groves  appeared, 
small  hills  covered  with  straggling  underbrush, 
wet  swampy  land  flanked  by  reeds  and  rushes, 
and  beyond,  a  forest. 


THE   CABIN    IN   THE    FOREST.  97 

As  they  approached  it  the  girl  pulled  up  her 
horse  and  said  : 

"  We  have  left  the  main  road  far  behind,  and 
it  leads  to  Chester  ;  why  then  have  you  led  me 
hither?" 

"Tis  shorter,"  replied  the  man  sullenly,  "  and 
upon  the  highway  we  might  fall  in  with  those 
who  would  do  us  injury.'' 

"The  British  are  in  the  north,"  said  she, 
"who,  then,  would  trouble  us  ?  " 

"We  go  to  Chester,"  replied  he,  "this  is  the 
quickest  way." 

Unwilling  to  be  drawn  into  a  discussion  with 
so  boorish  a  fellow,  she  answered  nothing,  and 
for  a  time  followed  the  man  in  silence  into  the 
depths  of  the  wood. 

The  gloominess  of  the  place  oppressed  her  and 
renewed  the  misgivings  which  had  arisen  in  her 
mind  at  thought  of  accompanying  the  messenger 
alone.  Had  the  distance  not  been  so  great,  she 
would  perhaps  have  refused  to  ride  further,  trust 
ing  to  find  the  way  back  to  her  late  companions, 
of  whose  good  intentions  she  had  no  fear. 

"Sir,"  said  she,  forcing  a  calmness  she  did  not 
feel,  "  we  have  ridden  many  miles  and  need  re 
freshment  ;  is  there  no  inn " 

"But  a  mile  further,"  replied  the  fellow,  "we 
will  tarry  there  for  an  hour;  beyond  lies  the  open 
country." 

Relieved  by  the  prospect  of  reaching  a  human 
dwelling,  and  perhaps  those  of  whom  she  might 
inquire  the  way,  she  urged  forward  her  horse  more 
briskly,  till,  coming  suddenly  to  a  turn  in  the  path, 
there  appeared  a  clearing  in  the  forest,  and  in  its 
center  a  square  iog  cabin  flanked  by  an  outhouse. 

Taking  in  at  a  glance  the  surroundings,   she 

7 


98  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

noted  with  fresh  apprehension,  that  beyond  the 
cabin  there  appeared  no  opening  among  the  trees. 
Except  for  the  road  over  which  they  had  come, 
the  circle  of  the  forest  seemed  unbroken  ;  beyond 
arose  a  dense  wilderness  thick  with  trees  and 
underbrush.  To  add  to  her  disquietude  the  dwell 
ing  showed  no  signs  of  life,  nor  did  anything, 
either  man  or  beast,  show  themselves  at  the  ap 
proach  of  the  horses. 

In  feigned  amazement  the  countryman  pulled 
up  his  nag,  gazing  with  a  look  of  much  stupidity 
upon  the  silent  structure,  and  the  unbroken  circle. 

"Is  there  no  one  here ?  "  asked  his  companion 
breathlessly. 

"The  place  is  silent,"  replied  he,  "  they  may 
be  in  the  woods." 

So  saying,  he  drew  a  pistol  from  his  belt  and 
raising  it  above  his  head  discharged  the  weapon 
in  the  air. 

The  report  striking  the  fringe  of  trees  sent  back 
an  echo,  but  no  voice  replied.  Deep  silence 
reigned  amid  the  forest,  broken  only  by  the  chirp 
ing  of  birds,  or  the  crackling  of  a  twig  as  some 
animal,  alarmed  by  the  shot,  scurried  away  into 
the  underbrush. 

"  Yonder  is  the  inn,"  said  the  man  gruffly,  "'but 
the  landlord  is  absent ;  he  will  return  before  night 
fall.  Let  us  enter,  for,  perhaps,  foo'd  may  remain 
upon  the  table." 

"But  I  see  no  opening  in  the  forest  on  the  other 
side." 

"A  screen  of  leaves  conceals  it;  beyond  lies 
the  open  country." 

"  Is  it  not  strange  sir,  this  being  an  inn,  the 
landlord  is  absent  ?  " 

The  man's  brow  darkened.      "He  will  return 


THE   CABIN    IN   THE   FOREST.  99 

in  time,  I  warrant."  Then,  more  courteously  : 
"  Tis  not  many  miles  to  Chester,  let  us  eat  and 
hasten  forward." 

Reassured  by  his  words,  the  girl  dismissed  in 
part  her  fears,  and,  indeed,  from  whence  arose 
cause  for  alarm  ?  If  not  sent  by  me  as  he  had 
represented,  who  else  could  have  known  of  her 
errand  to  the  Carolinas,  or  that  her  brother  lay 
wounded  near  Camden  ?  At  these  thoughts  she 
felt  easier,  and,  impatient  to  continue  the  journey, 
followed  her  guide  across  the  clearing,  and  dis 
mounted  at  the  door  of  the  cabin.  It  was  open, 
exposing  an  interior  of  rude  simplicity,  the  furni 
ture  consisting  of  a  rough  table,  some  chairs  and 
an  iron  stove.  Noting  her  glance  of  inquiry,  her 
companion  attempted  an  explanation. 

"  It  is  certainly  a  poor  place,"  said  he,  "yet, 
there  being  few  who  dwell  in  the  neighborhood, 
and  not  many  passing  through  the  forest,  'tis  suf 
ficient." 

So  saying  he  led  the  way  into  the  dwelling  ; 
having  entered,  Mistress  Bourmont  perceived  that 
the  room  was  provided  also  with  two  bunks,  set 
against  the  wall  and  filled  with  straw. 

"  I  see  no  food,"  said  she,  for  the  table,  and  a 
rude  cupboard  against  the  wall,  were  bare. 

"Such  things  as  the  owner  has  collected  are 
above,"  replied  her  companion,  pointing  to  a 
ladder  surmounted  by  an  opening  in  the  ceiling. 
' '  A  ham  or  two,  perchance  bread  and  tea  ;  enough, 
with  water  from  the  spring." 

Seating  herself  beside  the  table  she  watched  him 
kindle  a  fire  in  the  stove ;  when  he  had  finished 
he  arose  stiffly  and  said  : 

"The  meal  will  soon  be  ready,  but  you  go  into 
the  loft  for  such  things  as  we  need  ;  'tis  lighted 


IOO  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

by  a  window  ;  the  spring  is  near  the  border  of  the 
wood  and  I  will  go  for  water." 

Wishing  to  avoid  delay  the  girl  hastened  to 
do  his  bidding.  Reaching  the  top  of  the  ladder  she 
stopped,  and  called  down  to  her  companion  : 

"The  place  is  dark,  I  cannot  see " 

"The  window  is  then  barred,"  replied  he, 
"  wait  by  the  opening,  and  I  will  attend  to  it." 

She  felt  his  feet  upon  the  rounds  of  the  ladder 
beneath  her,  and  springing  nimbly  to  the  floor  of 
the  garret,  drew  back  into  the  shadow  that  he 
might  pass. 

Suddenly  there  was  a  crash,  the  blackness  be 
came  deeper,  and  she  heard  the  sound  of  a  bolt 
slipping  against  metal. 

For  a  moment  terror  overcame  her.  Trem 
bling  in  every  limb  she  sought  the  opening  to  find 
it  closed  ;  the  heavy  trap  was  lowered  and  she 
was  a  prisoner. 

With  a  cry  she  fell  upon  her  knees,  seeking  to 
raise  the  door  with  her  tender  hands,  but  it  re 
sisted  all  her  efforts  ;  she  was  cut  off  from  escape 
and  left  in  total  darkness.  ,  Then  womanhood 
asserted  itself  ;  with  trembling  voice  she  cried  to 
him  below  to  free  her,  offering  as  a  reward  such 
money  as  she  carried,  and  more  when  she  found 
her  brother. 

If  her  captor  heard,  he  replied  nothing;  the 
stillness  grew  oppressive  ;  she  fancied  herself  de 
serted,  left  to  perish  in  the  forest,  and  overcome 
with  terror,  threw  herself  upon  the  rough  boards 
sobbing  piteously. 

How  long  she  remained  thus  she  knew  not  ; 
the  chirping  of  a  bird  without  aroused  her.  By 
degrees  calmness  returned  ;  the  man  had  not,  as 
yet,  sought  to  do  her  harm  ;  to  reach  her  he  must 


THE    CABIN    IN   THE    FOREST.  IOI 

thrust  his  head  through  the  opening,  and  she  had 
a  pistol.  The  first  despair  had  rendered  her 
powerless,  but  now  insulted  maidenhood  came  to 
her  aid.  Why  she  had  been  so  treacherously  be 
trayed  she  could  not  understand  ;  he  might  have 
struck  her  down  in  the  forest,  but  it  had  pleased 
him  to  make  of  her  a  prisoner.  Lying  there  she 
sought  to  solve  theTiddle,  and  with  each  moment 
courage  returned,  the  courage  of  despair ;  a  re 
solve  to  die  if  need  be,  but  to  defend  her  honor 
to  the  last. 

Presently  she  arose  and  groped  her  way  to  the 
wall.  Her  head  came  in  contact  with  the  low, 
slanting  roof;  the  pain  only  served  to  strengthen 
her  resolve.  He  had  said  there  was  a  window, 
which  if  she  could  but  reach,  its  light'might  lend 
her  aid.  Her  feet  crunched  upon  a  mass  of  straw  ; 
she  crept  forward,  feeling  her  way,  till,  measuring 
the  distance  as  well  as  possible,  she  realized  she 
had  passed  quite  around  the  chamber  ;  if  there 
was  a  window  it  was  higher  up,  or  she  had 
missed  it. 

Again,  emboldened  by  the  first  attempt,  she 
circled  the  loft.  Looking  upward,  a  tiny  ray  of 
light  fell  upon  her  face,  a  struggling  sunbeam 
shining  through  a  crack  between  the  boards. 

As  this  shaft  from  the  sun  pierced  the  darkness 
of  her  gloomy  prison,  so  a  ray  of  hope  dispelled 
the  yet  deeper  gloom  about  her  heart.  Reaching 
eagerly  toward  the  light,  she  felt  the  board  move  ; 
the  inclemency  of  the  weather  had  loosened  its 
fastenings,  and  it  required  but  little  effort  to  widen 
the  crack  yet  further.  Standing  on  tiptoe  she 
pushed  with  her  hands  the  loosened  board,  till 
gradually  it  gave  way  under  her  efforts,  and  the 
ray  of  light  turned  into  a  stream  of  sunshine. 


IO2  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

Then  she  paused,  for  a  thought  struck  her. 
Did  she  tear  the  board  from  its  last  fastening  and 
send  it  crashing  to  the  ground  below,  her  jailer 
would  discover  that  the  bird  was  like  to  burst  its 
cage.  She  ceased  her  efforts,  and  turned  to  view 
the  chamber.  The  corners  were  dark  with 
shadows,  but  the  blackness  had  given  place  to  a 
semi  gloom,  through  which  she  could  discern 
more  plainly  the  nature  of  her  prison.  Twas 
bare  of  furniture,  a  heap  of  straw  lay  scattered 
in  one  corner,  and  a  large  box  stood  against  the 
wall.  It  gave  her  new  hope  ;  with  its  assistance 
she  might  loosen  a  second  board,  making  an  open 
ing  sufficiently  large  to  admit  the  passage  of  her 
body.  Un trammeled  by  skirts,  for  she  still  wore 
the  suit  which  she  had  borrowed  from  her  brother's 
wardrobe,  it  would  be  no  great  matter  to  gain 
from  the  top  of  the  box  the  level  of  the  slanting 
roof.  Once  upon  it,  the  distance  to  the  ground 
would  warrant  her  in  an  attempt  to  reach  it,  when 
escape  might  be  possible. 

She  found  it  empty,  and  by  dint  of  great  exer 
tion,  though  noiselessly,  drew  it  beneath  the 
opening.  As  yet  no  sound  had  come  from  the 
room  below  ;  had  her  jailer  fallen  asleep,  or  left 
her?  If  the  latter,  he  would  doubtless  return, 
perhaps  with  companions.  Her  fears  again  began 
to  gain  ascendency.  A  desire  to  thrust  aside  the 
board  and  reach  the  roof  almost  overcame  her, 
but  summoning  all  her  will,  she  waited,  knowing 
well  that  haste  might  bring  misfortune  and  render 
her  position  more  terrible. 

At  length  the  light  from  without  lessened  ;  the 
sun  had  sunk  below  the  tree-tops  of  the  forest, 
and  before  another  hour  she  would  be  again  in 
darkness.  The  thought  aroused  her  ;  if  escape 


THE    CABIN    IN    THE    FOREST.  103 

was  to  be  effected  by  the  roof  she  must  know  her 
bearings,   for  a  false  step  might  ruin  all. 

Standing  upon  the  box  she  noiselessly  pushed 
aside  the  loosened  board,  holding  it  firmly  with 
one  hand  that  it  might  not  fall  to  the  ground. 
Success  crowned  her  efforts,  and  raising  her  head 
cautiously  through  the  opening  she  was  enabled  to 
see  what  lay  before  her  ;  the  roof  formed  of  rough 
boards  slanting  to  within  a  dozen  feet  of  the 
ground,  the  edge  of  the  forest,  and  the  two  horses 
fastened  to  a  tree.  The  sight  set  her  heart  beat 
ing  painfully  ;  once  in  the  saddle  and  upon  the 
road  over  which  she  had  come,  there  was  small 
fear  of  any  overtaking  her.  The  presence  of  the 
second  animal  showed  her  the  countryman  could 
not  be  far  away,  as  he  would  not  have  left  his 
horse  behind. 

The  thought  was  answered  by  a  noise  below,  a 
long-drawn  yawn  and  the  shuffling  of  feet.  Her 
jailer  had  been  asleep;  it  was  evident  he  awaited 
a  companion. 

Returning  to  the  loft  she  awaited  with  throb 
bing  heart  the  coming  of  the  darkness,  which, 
before,  she  had  so  much  dreaded.  The  nature 
of  the  roof,  the  position  of  the  horses  and  the  way 
she  must  take,  were  mapped  out  clearly  in  her 
mind.  The  movements  of  the  man  below  told 
her  he  had  turned  his  attention  to  the  stove  ;  the 
thought  of  supper  warned  her  that  she  had  not 
eaten  for  many  hours  ;  the  countryman  would 
scarce  leave  her  to  starve,  and  with  this  idea  a 
daring  project  came  into  her  mind.  For  a  mo 
ment  she  trembled,  was  filled  with  horror,  and 
instinctively  shrunk  from  it,  the  woman  within 
her  rebelling  at  so  desperate  an  undertaking. 
Another  hour  passed.  The  day  was  gone,  but 


104  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

in  its  place  the  first  faint  rays  of  the  moon  ap 
peared  above  the  edge  of  the  forest.  The  man 
in  the  room  below  moved  about  restlessly.  She 
heard  him  leave  the  cabin,  evidently  to  look  to 
the  horses,  then,  as  he  returned,  she  crouched 
behind  the  box  and  waited. 

It  was  perhaps  half  an  hour  when  the  creaking 
of  the  ladder  indicated  that  her  jailer  was  ascend 
ing  to  the  loft ;  what  his  purpose  might  be  she 
guessed,  and  shuddered,  but  his  words  reassured 
her. 

"Here  is  bread  and  meat,"  growled  he,  draw 
ing  the  bolt,  "  if  you  are  thirsty  there  is  water 
from  the  spring  in  plenty." 

He  raised  the  trap,  pushing  the  supper  upon 
the  floor.  ''Come,"  said  he,  "eat!  he  will  be 
here  presently." 

Controlling  her  voice  by  an  effort  she  thanked 
him.  .  The  man  was  surprised  ;  he  had  expected 
tears  and  protestations.  That  he  might  discern 
her  form  in  the  darkness,  he  thrust  his  head  yet 
further  through  the  opening  ;  the  light  from  below 
revealed  it  against  the  blackness  beyond. 

Suddenly  the  girl  bent  forward,  her  arm  resting 
upon  the  edge  of  the  box  ;  the  man  strained  his 
eyes  and  would  have  again  addressed  her,  but 
ere  the  words  left  his  lips,  there  was  a  blinding 
flash,  a  deafening  report,  the  head  disappeared 
as  if  by  magic,  and  she  heard  the  crash  of  his 
body  as  it  struck  the  floor  below. 

Again  sudden  terror  seized  her,  and  the  pistol 
dropped  from  her  hand.  She  felt  a  deadly  faint- 
ness,  but,  bracing  herself  with  an  effort,  hastened 
through  the  opening  to  the  room  beneath  ;  her 
work  was  but  half  done,  and  he  had  spoken  of 
another. 


THE    CABIN    IN    THE    FOREST.  IO5 

The  body  of  the  countryman  lay  at  the  foot  of 
the  ladder,  with  limbs  outstretched,  and  the  head 
twisted  at  an  awkward  angle.  She  sought  to  turn 
away  her  eyes  as  she  hurried  past  him,  but  in  the 
one  glance  noted  a  dull  red  spot  near  the  head, 
which,  even  as  she  looked,  grew  larger.  That  he 
was  dead  she  believed.  Taught  from  her  youth 
in  the  use  of  fire-arms,  she  had  equaled  her 
brother's  skill  in  their  days  of  practise  ;  far  poorer 
marks  than  a  man's  head  protruding  through  a 
lighted  opening  had  felt  her  bullets,  therefore  she 
doubted  little  that  her  shot  aimed  with  deadly 
intent  had  pierced  the  brain. 

True  to  her  womanly  instincts  she  shuddered, 
when,  springing  from  the  ladder,  she  was  forced 
to  step  across  the  motionless  body.  A  short  sur 
vey  of  the  room  showed  her  the  untasted  supper 
upon  the  table  ;  beyond,  the  half-closed  door,  and 
in  the  corner,  saddles  which  the  fellow  had  re 
moved  from  the  horses. 

Pangs  of  hunger  asserted  themselves,  and  she 
despatched  a  hasty  meal,  for  to  venture  upon  the 
road  required  strength,  and  the  long  day's  fast  had 
weakened  her.  Afterward,  when  all  was  past, 
she  marveled  at  her  fortitude  ;  how,  in  the  pres 
ence  of  the  dead,  slain  by  her  own  hand,  with  the 
fear  upon  her  that  other  enemies  were  lurking 
near,  she  could  swallow  the  unpalatable  food. 
But,  as  in  a  mighty  storm  a  sudden  calm  falls 
upon  the  earth,  hushing  for  a  time  the  tumult  of 
the  winds,  so,  in  the  midst  of  the  sickening  terror 
which  clutched  her  heart-strings,  there  came  to 
her  a  marvelous  quietness,  born  of  desperation. 
Had  any  one  come  upon  her  then,  she  would  have 
faced  them  boldly  :  having  passed  through  the 
hour  of  trial,  when  hope  seemed  gone,  the  reali- 


IO6  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

zation  of  the  dangers  which  encompassed  her  was 
deadened ;  the  delicate  woman  had  become  a 
machine,  acting  instinctively  for  self-preservation  ; 
a  living  automaton,  moving  as  Fate  directed  her. 
No  sounds  save  those  that  come  with  the  night  in 
the  boundless  wilderness  disturbed  her,  the  yel 
low  flame  of  the  rude  lantern  standing  upon  the 
table  flickered  fitfully,  casting  weird  shadows 
about  the  room.  She  was  alone  but  for  the  mo 
tionless  body  lying  outstretched  beside  the  ladder, 
yet  she  felt  no  fear  ;  the  eye  of  God  watched  over 
her  even  in  the  desolation  of  the  forest. 

Crossing  to  the  spot  where  lay  the  saddles,  she 
took  up  one  at  random,  and  pushing  open  the 
half-closed  door  stepped  across  the  threshold. 

The  moon  had  risen,  bathing  the  clearing  in  a 
mellow  light ;  beyond,  in  the  forest,  long  white 
streaks  penetrated  the  foliage,  lending  fantastic 
forms  to  the  trees  and  rocks.  'Twas  the  work  of 
but  a  moment  to  gain  the  horses  ;  her  own,  rec 
ognizing  his  mistress,  whinnied  joyfully,  and 
rubbed  his  soft  nose  against  her  shoulder. 

This  act  of  welcome  moved  her  strangely  ;  the 
tension  of  her  overwrought  nerves  relaxed,  and 
throwing  her  arms  about  the  animal's  neck  she 
sobbed  aloud.  The  sound  awakened  a  thousand 
echoes  in  the  forest,  unearthly  voices  came  to 
her  out  of  the  shadows  answering  each  other  in 
plaintive  cadence  through  the  silent  air.  Again 
terror  seized  her  ;  with  trembling  fingers  she  ad 
justed  the  saddle,  tore  away  the  halter  which  se 
cured  the  horse,  and  gained  her  seat  upon  its  back. 

For  a  moment  horse  and  rider  remained  im 
movable,  she  with  her  eyes  fixed  upon  the  silent 
cabin  through  whose  door  drifted  a  stream  of 
yellow  light,  mingling  with  the  whiteness  with- 


THE   CABIN    IN   THE   FOREST. 

out.  Then,  with  the  sense  of  her  liberty  and 
escape  from  deadly  peril  rising  within  her,  she 
caught  up  the  reins  and  urged  the  beast  toward 
the  opening  in  the  fringe  of  the  forest,  which,  like 
a  wall,  surrounded  her. 

The  road,  shut  out  from  the  moon's  rays  by 
overhanging  branches,  was  in  semi-darkness  ;  she 
could  but  trust  to  the  instincts  of  the  horse  to 
guide  her  in  safety.  With  ears  erect,  the  faithful 
animal  bounded  forward,  his  hoofs  sounding  dully 
upon  the  soft  earth  of  the  leaf-strewn  path.  The 
cry  of  a  night  bird  startled  by  the  galloping  steed 
rang  in  her  ears  ;  once  an  overhanging  branch 
nearly  swept  her  from  the  saddle,  leaving  a  crim 
son  welt  upon  the  bloodless  cheek. 

A  thousand  voices  seemed  to  follow  her,  strange 
sounds  of  the  night  intensified  by  her  isolation 
and  imagination.  The  moments  passed  quickly  ; 
the  horse,  refreshed  by  hours  of  inactivity,  sped 
onward  toward  the  open  country,  as  though  he 
too  sought  to  leave  behind  the  gloom  of  the  for 
est  with  its  weird  sounds  and  shadows.  Just 
ahead  the  road  turned  sharply,  where  the  moon 
light,  rinding  a  rift  in  the  overhanging  foliage, 
flooded  the  \vay  with  a  halo  of  silvery  light,  and 
within  this  circle  rode  a  horseman  making  his 
way  toward  the  ill-omened  cabin. 

Hearing  the  approach  of  the  madly  galloping 
steed,  he  pulled  up  beside  the  bridle-path  in  much 
astonishment.  At  the  same  instant  she  saw  him, 
a  ghostly  figure  standing,  as  though  to  bar  her  way 
to  liberty,  and  unconsciously  her  fingers  tightened 
upon  the  reins.  The  next  moment  she  was  past, 
her  knee  almost  grazing  his  own,  so  narrow  was 
the  way  between  them.  Ere  he  could  raise  his 
voice  in  challenge,  or  seek  to  stay  her,  she  was 
gone,  a  fleeting  shadow  speeding  like  the  wind. 


108  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 


CHAPTER  X. 

THE    HORSEMEN. 

NEAR  dawn  of  the  morning  following  my  meet 
ing  with  General  Marion,  the  voice  of  Clark 
aroused  me  from  a  restless  slumber. 

' '  The  sun  has  already  risen,"  said  he,  ' '  'tis  full 
time  we  were  on  our  way ;  even  now,  General 
Marion  is  waiting.'' 

Quickly  dressing  I  joined  my  companions  at 
the  door  of  the  tavern,  where  they  had  gathered 
before  partaking  of  a  meal,  which  the  landlord 
had  ordered  to  be  prepared. 

It  was  a  glorious  autumn  morning  ;  the  first 
rays  of  the  rising  sun  pierced  by  a  thousand  shafts 
of  light  the  blue  haze,  common  at  early  dawn  to 
the  southern  country.  Marion  greeted  me  with  a 
smile  ;  the  night's  repose,  the  inspiring  freshness 
of  the  atmosphere,  and  the  prospect  of  soon  be 
ing  upon  our  way,  dispelled  the  gloomy  forebod 
ings  of  the  previous  evening,  so  it  was  with  much 
pleasure  I  contemplated  the  journey  in  company 
with  the  three  Americans.  Moreover,  a  surprise 
awaited  me. 

Having  exchanged  salutations  the  General 
touched  upon  the  subject  nearest  my  heart. 

"The  night  has  brought  good  tidings, "  said  he, 
"news  of  Mistress  Bourmont — which,  in  com 
mon  with  M.  de  Marc,  I  receive  with  the  keen 
est  satisfaction.'' 


THE   HORSEMEN.  109 

"  You  have  then  found  her  ?  "  cried  I. 

"Nay,"  replied  he,  "but  we  have  some  tid 
ings  of  her  ;  an  hour  since,  a  soldier  from  the 
north  reached  Chester,  having  ridden  from  the 
vicinity  of  Jonesville,  near  which  hamlet  were 
encamped  the  irregulars  of  whom  you  told  me." 

"And  he  has  seen  Mistress  Bourmont? "  I 
asked  eagerly. 

"The  man's  story  was  brief,"  replied  Marion, 
"  but  it  touches  our  errand.  Mistress  Bourmont 
is  in  the  north,  where  we  may  rind  her." 

Smiling  at  my  impatience,  for  so  favorable  a 
beginning  of  the  day's  undertaking  filled  me  with 
enthusiasm  and  renewed  desire  to  set  out  at  once, 
he  told  me  what  had  been  related  to  him.  Late 
on  the  preceding  morning,  the  soldier,  who  had 
ridden  from  the  north  to  Chester,  saw  two  horse 
men  riding  over  a  road  but  little  frequented,  and 
which,  running  westward  from  the  main  highway, 
led  through  a  belt  of  forest  some  miles  from 
Jonesville.  He  dismounted  behind  a  hedge  of 
underbrush  which  separated  him  from  the  road,  so 
his  presence  was  unsuspected  by  those  who  passed 
along  the  way  ;  gifted  with  native  curiosity  he 
noted  the  rider  carefully,  more  especially  one, 
whom  he  first  took  to  be  a  youth,  but  was,  in 
fnct,  a  woman.  The  description  of  her  compan 
ion  corresponded  with  that  given  by  the  leader 
of  the  irregulars,  of  the  countryman  who  had  de 
clared  himself  my  messenger. 

"But  this  road?"  cried  I,  "does  it  lead  to 
Camden  ?" 

"The  man  said  not,"  replied  Marion  ;  "it  is  a 
short  cut  across  the  country,  little  used  and  run 
ning  through  the  forest ;  one  of  many  to  be  found 
in  the  Carolinas. " 


1 10  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

"  And  we  can  find  it  ?  " 

"With  little  difficulty,  as  the  man  has  offered 
to  lead  us  there,  and  thus  on  to  the  discovery  of 
the  girl." 

An  hour  later  we  were  upon  our  way  to  the 
cross  road,  accompanied  by  the  guide.  We  had 
ridden  into  Chester  the  night  before  gloomy  and 
dispirited ;  we  left  it  with  hope  rising  in  our 
hearts,  and  with  one  who,  of  all  men  in  the 
Carolinas,  could  best  aid  us,  and  we  also  had  the 
knowledge  of  the  route  she  whom  we  sought  had 
taken.  Nature,  too,  seemed  eager  to  lend  her 
aid  to  the  expedition  ;  everywhere  the  country 
smiled  with  gladness  ;  the  heavens  were  bright 
with  sunshine,  and  the  voices  of  a  thousand  birds 
and  insects  rejoiced  in  unison. 

On  the  road  we  beguiled  the  time  with  conver 
sation  and  the  moments  passed  quickly.  Late 
in  the  morning,  having  ridden  for  many  hours 
without  halting,  we  came  upon  a  tavern  close 
beside  the  highway.  McDowell,  who,  with  our 
guide,  was  in  advance,  pulled  up  before  the 
door ;  as  we  approached  he  turned  to  General 
Marion. 

"In  another  hour,"  said  he,  "we  will  reach 
the  road  we  seek  ;  would  it  not  be  well  to  rest 
the  horses  before  proceeding  further?'' 

We  also  were  truly  fatigued,  and  needed  re 
freshment  ;  the  cool  breeze  of  the  early  morning 
had  given  place  to  a  sultriness,  augmented  by 
the  rays  of  the  sun  which  beat  from  a  cloudless 
sky  upon  our  heads.  Had  our  errand  been  less 
pressing,  I  would  fain  have  sought  the  shelter  of 
one  of  the  many  cottages  which  we  passed,  and 
I  believe  Clark  would  have  gladly  joined  me  ;  as 
for  Marion  and  the  two  Carolinas,  they  appeared 


THE    HORSEMEN.  Ill 

less  uncomfortable,  being  accustomed  to  the 
southern  atmosphere. 

We  dismounted  and  were  somewhat  surprised 
that  the  owner  of  the  dwelling  did  not  come  forth 
to  greet  us,  when  the  guide,  who  had  advanced 
to  the  door,  uttered  an  exclamation,  and  I  at  the 
same  moment  casting  my  eyes  upward,  saw  the 
muzzle  of  a  rifle  threatening  me  from  a  small 
window  close  beneath  the  eaves. 

"  What  now  ?  "  cried  McDowell,  who,  noting 
the  start  of  alarm  and  following  my  gaze,  per 
ceived  it  also.  "Who  threatens  us  in  this  rude 
manner?  if  there  are  British  within — 

A  voice  from  behind  the  rifle  replied  gruffly  : 
"As  to  Britishers,  you  should  know,  being  one. 
Begone,  therefore,  the  house  is  well  defended." 

"What  says  he  ?"  cried  the  guide,  hastening 
to  our  side,  "Who  talks  of  Britishers,  John 
Rood,  and  threatens  even  General  Francis  Mar 
ion  ? " 

An  exclamation  of  astonishment  came  through 
the  open  window,  and  the  threatening  rifle  was 
withdrawn.  The  disappearance  of  the  rude  wel- 
comer  was  followed  by  the  unbarring  of  the 
door,  when  the  owner  of  the  tavern  presented 
himself  upon  its  threshold.  Seeing  General 
Marion  he  broke  into  a  torrent  of  apologies. 

The  officer  checked  him.  "  'Tis  scarce  so 
grave  a  matter,"  said  he,  "but  why  have  you 
turned  your  house  into  a  fortress,  and  threaten 
peaceful  travelers  in  so  discourteous  a  manner  ? 
Are  the  British  in  the  neighborhood  ?  " 

"  Sir,"  replied  the  landlord,  greatly  embarrassed 
that  he  had  treated  him  with  such  scant  ceremony, 
"those  who  wear  the  king's  uniform  have  not 
troubled  me,  but  certain  of  the  Tories  are  about. 


112  A   CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

and  for  the  safety  of  my  property  I  barred  the 
door. " 

"What  Tories?"  demanded  McDowell,  "we 
have  ridden  this  day  from  Chester  unmolested." 

It  was  with  difficulty  we  dispelled  the  man's 
fears,  even  when  upon  investigation  we  found 
those  whom  he  had  taken  for  Tories  were  but 
a  peaceful  trio  of  farmers  who,  while  we  debated, 
appeared  from  behind  the  house  in  some  trepida 
tion  at  the  armed  force  halting  at  the  tavern. 

Despite  the  seriousness  of  our  errand,  I  could 
but  smile  at  the  discomforture  of  the  landlord, 
that  he  should  have  threatened  with  a  blunder 
buss  his  real  protectors.  From  the  farmers  we 
learned  that  no  enemy  had  been  seen  in  the 
vicinity.  Several  Tories  having  drawn  together 
a  half  score  of  ruffians,  had  made  practise  of  at 
tacking  those  who  fell  in  their  way,  but  the  vic 
tory  at  King's  Mountain  sent  them  elsewhere,  as 
they  knew  full  well  if  taken  by  the  enraged  in 
habitants  of  the  district,  they  could  expect  little 
mercy. 

The  landlord,  having  fallen  into  his  normal 
condition,  hastened  to  set  before  us  refreshments, 
refusing  the  payment  I  offered,  as  though  thus  to 
make  amends  for  his  discourtesy  to  General 
Marion  ;  we  then  once  more  resumed  the  saddle 
and  pushed  on  toward  our  destination. 

As  McDowell  had  said,  within  an  hour  we 
reached  the  road  we  sought,  a  way  of  little 
promise,  passing  through  a  country  wild  and  des 
olate,  filled  with  rank  vegetation,  flanked  by 
swamps  and  strips  of  woodland.  Arriving  at  the 
spot  where,  the  day  before,  our  guide  had  seen 
Mistress  Bourmont  and  her  escort,  he  called  our 
attention  to  it,  and  told  us  the  direction  they  had 


THE    HORSEMEN.  113 

taken.  There  were  signs  of  horsemen  in  the 
road,  uncertain  to  my  inexperienced  eye,  but 
plain,  as  if  mapped  out  on  the  open  palm,  to 
Clark  and  the  Carolinian. 

We  rode  forward  briskly,  for  the  space  of  two 
hours,  when  the  path  entered  a  forest,  the  shade 
of  which  offered  welcome  relief  from  the  burning- 
rays  of  the  sun.  I  noticed  that  Clark,  who  be 
fore  had  ridden  behind  the  guide,  now  assumed 
the  van  of  our  little  cavalcade,  examining  care 
fully  the  ground,  frequently  pulling  up  his  horse 
into  a  walk,  then  pushing  forward  with  speed. 
In  truth,  we  could  have  had  no  better  guide, 
for,  skilled  as  he  was  in  the  craft  of  the  wilder 
ness,  taught  in  early  years  among  the  Indians  of 
the  north,  the  intrepid  ranger  saw  in  each  foot 
print,  the  twist  of  a  branch,  or  droop  of  a  leaf, 
some  sign  which  guided  him. 

Suddenly  I  saw  him  spring  from  his  horse  and 
examine  the  ground,  trees  and  bushes  with  great 
care.  Upon  our  approach  he  pointed  to  a  spot 
beside  the  path,  where  the  earth  was  trampled, 
the  underbrush  broken  and  stripped  of  leaves. 

"Look,"  said  he,  "ahorse  was  urged  from 
the  way  into  the  brush  through  fright,  or  that 
another  might  pass." 

"Let  us  ride  as  fast  as  possible,"  said  our 
guide,  "if  I  mistake  not  the  road  ends  at  an 
opening  in  the  forest.'' 

For  a  half  hour  we  followed  the  ranger,  stop 
ping  at  intervals  that  he  might  study  the  ground, 
for  the  imprint  of  many  hoofs  appeared  in  the 
soft  loam  of  the  path.  In  this  manner  we  pushed 
forward  until  suddenly  Clark  stopped  at  the 
edge  of  the  clearing  referred  to  by  the  guide. 

"Yonder  is  a  house, "  said  he,    "  the  dwelling 


114  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

of  one  Silas  Bright,  a  Tory,  much  feared  by  the 
peaceful  folk  of  the  neighborhood. " 

"Let  us  approach  it,"  said  I,   "  perhaps — 

"Stay,"  replied  McDowell,  "  if  this  Bright  is 
at  home,  a  rifle  bullet  may  greet  you.  I  know 
the  place,  a  den  of  thieves  and  murderers,  given 
over  to  those  who  plot  against  the  Colonies." 

"Let  us  dismount,"  said  Marion,  "that  we 
may  examine  carefully  ;  if  I  mistake  not  a  horse 
stands  yonder  beneath  the  shelter  of  the  trees." 

Following  the  direction  indicated  by  his  ges 
ture,  I  perceived  the  animal  fastened  by  a  long 
rope,  which  was  secured  to  a  stake  driven  in  the 
ground. 

"The  place  is  inhabited,"  said  Clark,  "but 
those  inside  cannot  have  seen  us,  there  being  no 
windows  this  way.  Let  us  get  under  cover  of 
the  trees,  picket  our  horses,  and  then  try  to  find 
out  who  are  within.  Indeed  Mistress  Bourmont 
may  be  a  prisoner  in  the  house/' 

"Then,  if  you  imagine  so,"  said  I,  "  let  us  at 
once  demand  her  deliverance." 

A  grave  smile  crossed  the  face  of  Marion. 
"If  the  maid  is  held  a  prisoner,"  replied  he, 
"we  will  rescue  her,  but  certain  caution  is 
necessary  in  such  an  understanding.  We  must 
wait  patiently  ;  those  inside,  not  suspecting  our 
presence,  will  certainly  show  themselves  before 
nightfall." 

"But  the  ruffians  may  injure  her,"  cried  I, 
"  while  we  tarry  ;  a " 

"If  such  was  their  purpose,"  replied  the  Gen 
eral,  "  it  is  now  too  late  to  prevent  it;  nothing 
would  remain  for  us,  but  to  avenge  Mistress 
Bourmont." 

Thus  we  decided  to  wait  in  the  shadow  of  the 


THE    HORSEMEN.  115 

forest  some  sign  from  those  we  sought,  or,  if  no 
one  appeared  outside  the  cabin  before  nightfall, 
Clark  and  the  Carolinian  would  make  a  closer 
survey. 

Until  the  first  shades  of  evening  we  remained 
hiding,  watching  intently  the  clearing,  but  not  a 
person  appeared  ;  only  the  horse,  moving  in  the 
circle  allowed  by  his  halter,  broke  the  silence. 

The  last  rays  of  the  sun  had  touched  the  top 
most  branches  of  the  trees,  when  Clark,  who  lay 
beside  me,  started  upright,  turning  his  ear  to 
ward  the  road  by  which  we  had  come.  The 
echo  of  hoofs,  faint  and  indistinct,  came  through 
the  stillness,  each  moment  growing  louder  as 
though  the  beast  sought  to  reach  the  clearing 
before  the  blackness  of  night  covered  it. 

"Some  one  rides  in  haste,"  muttered  Marion, 
"  remain  quiet  that  he  may  not  discover  us." 

Even  as  he  spoke  the  horseman  passed,  a 
black  shadow  in  the  twilight,  before  we  could 
note  his  person. 

Gaining  the  clearing,  he  rode  straight  to  the 
entrance  of  the  cabin,  looking  backward  as  he 
drew  rein  before  the  doorstep. 

"We  are  discovered,"  I  whispered,  "let 
us " 

The  open  palm  of  the  ranger,  laid  across  my 
mouth,  checked  further  utterance. 

Before  I  could  thrust  it  aside,  angered  at  so 
rude  an  interruption,  the  meaning  of  the  action 
was  made  plain  to  me. 

From  out  the  gloom  of  the  overhanging  trees, 
riding  along  the  path,  appeared  two  other  horse 
men,  whose  approach  was  so  silent,  that  my  ill- 
timed  impatience  had  nearly  betrayed  our  pres 
ence. 


Il6  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

MAJOR  BROOKS'  RECITAL. 

THE  arrival  of  the  three  at  the  cabin  in  the 
forest  so  close  after  our  coming,  filled  me  with 
much  disquietude,  nor  could  I  refrain  from  ques 
tioning  General  Marion  as  to  his  opinion  upon 
the  matter.  He  replied  courteously,  saying  he 
understood  my  anxiety,  but  as  yet  could  scarce 
comprehend  the  meaning  of  what  was  passing. 
As  to  Clark  and  the  Carolinian,  the  first  shades 
of  night  saw  them  start  upon  their  errand,  which 
was  to  discover  whether  Mistress  Bourmont  was 
held  a  prisoner  in  the  cabin,  and  who  were  its 
occupants. 

General  Marion  in  the  meantime  stretched 
himself  beneath  a  tree  to  await  their  return,  and 
I  drew  a  little  aside,  leaving  the  guide  to  look  to 
the  safety  of  the  horses.  Being  now  alone,  the 
excitement  of  the  day  somewhat  abated,  I  could 
but  think  of  the  unusual  position  in  which  I  found 
myself  placed,  nor  scarce  repress  a  smile  at 
thought  of  the  amazement  of  certain  ones  at  Ver 
sailles,  could  they  at  that  hour  have  taken  in  the 
situation. 

I  considered  the  purpose  for  which  I  had  left 
France;  an  errand  apparently  forgotten  during 
the  stirring  incidents  following  my  arrival  in  the 
Carolinas.  Entrusted  by  the  King  and  my  patron 
with  a  certain  mission,  the  discovery  of  the  Vi- 


MAJOR  BROOKS'  RECITAL.  117 

comte,  was  I  not  laying  myself  open  to  censure 
by  neglecting  it,  as  each  hour  of  delay  might 
destroy  the  possibility  of  success? 

Close  upon  these  reflections  came  the  thought 
of  Constance  Bourmont,  and  the  ill-fortune  which 
had  befallen  her.  Trained  at  the  Court  of  France, 
taught  the  chivalry  belonging  to  the  courtier  of 
the  day,  and  that  there  was  honor  in  serving  a 
woman,  still  my  heart  had  never  felt  a  responsive 
thrill  toward  any  lady  of  the  Court  of  Louis  the 
Sixteenth  who  had  pleased  to  favor  me  beyond 
my  station.  That  my  accidental  advent  into  the 
Bourmont  household  had  worked  a  change  I  could 
not  deny.  The  noble  daring  of  Mistress  Con 
stance  filled  me  with  admiration  which  was  not  to 
be  repressed  ;  contrasted  with  the  women  of  the 
Court,  she  became  their  peer.  I  felt  strangely 
moved  in  her  presence,  an  emotion  never  aroused 
by  women,  perhaps  more  beautiful,  and  better 
skilled  in  arts  taught  by  the  proudest  court  in 
Europe. 

I  did  not  acknowledge  to  myself  a  deeper  feel 
ing  than  admiration,  but  the  thought  of  the  maid 
in  distress,  filled  me  with  an  unfamiliar  dis 
quietude  which  I  hardly  understood.  My  errand 
and  the  King's  command  stood  against  a  maid  of 
the  Colonies,  and — I  chose  the  maid. 

The  pressure  of  a  hand  upon  my  shoulder  broke 
the  reverie.  Alarmed  that  any  one  should  have 
stolen  upon  me  unperceived,  I  started,  instinc 
tively  reaching  for  my  sword  hilt. 

"Upon  my  faith,"  chuckled  Clark,  for  it  was 
he,  "had  I  been  an  enemy — "  then  more  so 
berly  :  "Mistress  Bourmont  is  not  there." 

"  Is  she  slain  ? "  cried  I,  ' '  or " 

"Tis   scarce   so  serious,"  replied  the  ranger, 


Il8  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

"but  there  is  one  yonder  who  may  be  able  to 
give  some  word  of  her." 

"  Major  Brooks  ?  "  said  I. 

"  He  of  the  Red  House  tavern,"  he  replied, 
"and  with  him  are  two  as  fine  ruffians  as  can  be 
found  in  all  the  Carolinas. " 

The  approach  of  General  Marion,  McDowell 
and  the  guide  interrupted  any  further  question 
ing. 

"It  is  time  to  act,"  said  Marion.  "Mistress 
Bourmont  is  not  in  the  cabin,  but  there  are  those 
with  whom  we  must  have  some  reckoning." 

"Will  we  then  attack  the  house?"!  asked 
eagerly. 

With  the  grave  smile,  which  was  habitual  to 
him,  he  replied:  "It  is  fitting,  they  being  ene 
mies  to  the  Colonies."  Then  turning  to  McDow 
ell  :  "You  will  tell  M.  de  Marc  the  result  of 
your  errand  ;  he  should  know." 

I  noted  he  did  not  ask  whether  it  was  my  in 
tention  to  join  him  in  the  desperate  business  on 
hand.  At  King's  Mountain  a  place  was  not 
given  me,  but  General  Marion  seemed  to  count 
as  a  matter  of  course  upon  my  sword.  I  needed 
not  this  inducement  to  listen  to  the  Carolinian 
concerning  the  result  of  his  night's  adventure. 

Upon  leaving  us,  he  and  Clark  proceeded  with 
much  caution  through  the  fringe  of  forest,  which 
skirted  the  clearing,  until,  coming  to  a  place  op 
posite  the  rear  of  the  cabin,  they  left  the  wood, 
and  under  cover  of  the  darkness  approached  the 
building.  They  found  the  place  had  no  windows 
on  the  lower  floor,  was  built  of  logs,  somewhat 
worn  away  by  time  and  the  inclemency  of  the 
weather.  The  door  was  on  the  further  side,  but 
they  needed  no  better  opening  both  for  seeing 


MAJOR  BROOKS'  RECITAL.  119 

and  hearing  what  transpired  within,  than  that 
afforded  by  the  numerous  cracks  between  the 
logs.  Quietly  and  quickly  the  Americans  gained 
the  rear  wall,  and  two  pairs  of  eyes  looked  from 
the  darkness  into  the  lighted  room. 

At  a  table  drawn  into  the  center  two  men  were 
seated;  a  third  lounged  upon  a  bench  near  the 
fireplace,  in  which  a  log  smoldered  fitfully. 
The  first  were  clad  in  the  rough  habiliments  worn 
by  those  of  this  mountainous  district  ;  the  other 
the  uniform  of  a  Continental  officer,  and  in  him 
the  quick  eyes  of  those  without  recognized  their 
companion  of  the  Red  House  tavern.  But, 
though  the  whole  interior  of  the  place  save  the 
narrow  attic  was  visible,  Mistress  Bourmont 
could  not  be  seen,  and  it  was  to  gain  a  knowledge 
of  her  that  Clark  and  the  Carolinian  had  ventured 
to  approach  the  cabin. 

What  they  sought  was  speedily  revealed,  as 
those  within  talked  openly,  especially  Major 
Brooks,  being  a  leader  among  them,  and  gifted 
with  fluent  speech.  For  a  full  hour  the  two 
men  kept  their  watch.  Heard  him  say  that  when 
flung  so  rudely  from  the  tavern,  his  senses 
had  for  a  time  deserted  him,  and  it  was  close 
upon  our  departure,  when  returning  reason 
brought  a  realization  of  the  indignity  offered  to 
his  person  ;  being  bound  and  powerless  he  could 
devise  no  way  of  retaliation.  While  he  lay  close 
to  the  wall  of  the  tavern  some  words  of  Mistress 
Bourmont,  touching  upon  her  errand,  reached 
him.  Being  a  knave  of  quick  perception,  he  saw 
in  them  a  way,  whereby,  if  fortune  favored  him, 
he  could  take  his  revenge.  Therefore,  he  raised 
no  outcry,  but  lay  as  one  dead,  while  those 
against  whom  he  plotted  prepared  to  leave  Red 


I2O  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

House.  No  sooner,  however,  had  the  hoof-beats 
of  the  horses  died  away,  than  he  summoned  the 
landlord  to  his  assistance  and  was  speedily  liber 
ated  ;  from  whom  also  he  learned  much  that  had 
escaped  him  when  he  lay  unconscious  outside 
the  tavern. 

Scarce  had  he,  with  help,  set  aright  his  dis 
ordered  raiment,  and  nursed  his  bruises,  when 
there  alighted  before  the  house  a  countryman  of 
the  neighborhood,  an  arrant  Tory,  and  one  whom 
the  officer  had  known  previously.  A  few  words 
of  flattery,  and  the  jingle  of  a  gold  pi'ece  soon  en 
listed  the  fellow  in  such  business  as  his  patron 
chose  to  lay  before  him.  Having  come  to  an 
agreement  they  followed  us,  and  thus  learned  of 
our  departure  for  King's  Mountain. 

So  excellent  an  opportunity  was  not  to  be 
neglected.  With  such  knowledge  as  would  serve 
his  purpose,  the  countryman  sought  Mistress 
Bourrnont,  lured  her  from  the  protection  of  the 
escort,  and  conducted  her  to  the  cabin  in  the 
forest  to  await  the  coming  of  his  employer. 

Having  related  so  much  to  his  companions  (as 
also  to  the  ranger  and  McDowell),  the  Major 
paused  to  note  the  effect  upon  his  minions. 
They,  wishing  to  know  the  end  of  the  matter 
speedily,  remained  silent  and  the  leader  resumed 
his  narrative. 

Having  timed  his  arrival  at  the  cabin  so  that 
the  darkness  would  hide  his  movements,  he  en 
tered  the  forest  close  after  nightfall,  and  proceeded 
with  such  speed  as  the  condition  of  the  road 
permitted.  Riding  thus  through  a  lane  of  black 
ness,  for  the  overhanging  trees  shut  out  the  moon, 
there  fell  upon  his  ear  the  thud  of  a  muffled  tramp, 
which,  as  he  paused  to  listen,  drew  nearer. 


MAJOR  BROOKS'  RECITAL.  121 

Alarmed  that  any  one  should  be  upon  the  road  at 
that  hour,  and  realizing  that  the  other  might  ride 
him  down  in  the  darkness,  he  pressed  against  the 
bushes,  intending  to  hail  the  horseman  ere  he 
passed.  But  he  reckoned  not  upon  the  shortness 
of  time  in  which  to  carry  out  the  determination. 
Ere  his  voice  could  perform  its  office,  the  hoof- 
beats  rang  in  his  ears  like  thunder,  and  the  pant 
ing  of  a  madly  galloping  steed  filled  the  stillness 
of  the  forest.  Bewildered,  he  drew  back  yet 
further,  escaping  by  a  hair's  breadth  the  on-rush 
of  horse  and  rider.  For  a  moment  he  clung 
desperately  to  the  saddle,  scarce  realizing  the 
narrowness  of  his  escape  from  death,  or  painful 
injuries.  Who  the  reckless  rider  might  be  he 
could  not  conjecture,  for  he  had  chosen  the  cabin 
as  a  place  shunned  by  the  people  of  the  region 
round  about,  and  seldom  visited. 

He  tarried  for  some  moments  to  regain  his 
composure,  looked  carefully  to  his  pistols,  and 
then  proceeded  on  his  way  with  much  caution. 
Arriving  at  the  clearing,  the  flood  of  moonlight 
which  greeted  him  showed  no  lurking  danger  ; 
moreover  the  cabin  door  was  open,  a  light  burned 
within,  and  beyond  the  outhouse  a  horse  whin 
nied  faintly. 

Reassured,  he  approached  the  dwelling  with 
pistol  ready  should  occasion  require  a  defense. 
But  no  sounds  save  those  of  the  night  and  the 
movements  of  the  horse  greeted  him.  Uncon 
sciously  he  half  turned  in  the  saddle,  gazing  anx 
iously  at  the  black  wall  of  forest  encompassing 
him  on  every  side.  Then  apprehension  gave 
place  to  anger.  Why  did  not  his  hireling  come 
forth,  or  was  it  his  horse  which  had  just  missed 
him  in  the  blackness  of  the  narrow  forest  road  ? 


122  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

If  so,  what  of  Mistress  Bourmont  ?  That  she  had 
left  the  protection  of  her  escort,  and  accompanied 
the  countryman,  he  knew  ;  of  this  he  had  made 
sure.  Had  she  escaped,  or —  With  impatient 
haste  he  dismounted  and  peered  through  the  open 
doorway  ;  a  lantern  burned  dimly  upon  the  rude 
table  ;  in  the  corner  he  saw  a  saddle,  and  near 
the  foot  of  the  ladder  lay  what  seemed  a  large 
package,  perhaps  dropped  from  the  loft  above. 
The  open  trap  filled  him  with  misgivings  ;  the 
house  was  apparently  deserted,  yet  a  horse  grazed 
without,  and  its  trappings  lay  before  him. 

Entering  cautiously,  he  approached  the  huddled 
mass  upon  the  floor.  His  foot  touched  a  dark 
stain  upon  the  rough,  unplaned  boards.  With  an 
exclamation  of  horror  he  crossed  to  the  table, 
caught  up  the  lantern, and  bending  down  examined 
the  suspicious  thing.  The  glare  from  the  burn 
ing  wick  shone  upon  the  white,  upturned  features 
of  a  man,  the  dead  face  of  his  agent,  whose  half- 
closed  eyes  peered  up  at  him  in  the  ghostly  light. 
It  required  no  second  glance  to  discover  how  the 
man  had  died  ;  in  the  forehead,  close  to  the  edge 
of  the  unkempt  hair,  was  visible  a  red-rimmed 
hole,  the  path  of  a  bullet  fired  by  no  unsteady 
hand. 

For  a  moment  Major  Brooks  stood  as  one  turned 
to  stone,  then  the  cruelty  of  his  nature  gained 
ascendency,  and  he  cursed  the  dead,  that  his 
errand  had  failed.  Whose  hand  had  fired  the 
fatal  bullet  he  knew  not,  yet  scarce  believed  it 
was  the  girl's.  More  likely  some  one  had  followed 
her  and  killed  the  countryman,  who  should  have 
guarded  his  prize  more  carefully. 

With  great  coolness  he  replaced  the  lantern 
upon  the  table,  and  set  about  destroying  all  signs 


MAJOR  BROOKS'  RECITAL.  123 

of  the  catastrophe.  An  unused  well  served  the 
purpose  of  a  grave  ;  a  bucket  of  water  from  the 
spring  removed  in  part  the  red  stain  upon  the 
floor.  Having  accomplished  his  task  he  sat  down 
to  solve  the  riddle.  Great  was  his  disappoint 
ment  in  not  rinding  Mistress  Bourmont  in  the 
cabin.  To  secure  her  he  must  now  turn  to  other 
means,  and  make  more  sure.  If  she  was  the 
horseman  of  the  forest  he  might  yet  overtake  her, 
a  woman,  and  unfamiliar  with  the  country.  If,  on 
the  other  hand,  she  eluded  him,  they  (the  two 
mountaineers)  must  find  her. 

He  had  then  remounted  his  horse  and  retraced 
his  steps,  beating  the  country  until  daylight,  but 
with  ill-success  ;  therefore  had  summoned  his 
companions  to  the  cabin,  that  they  might  receive 
his  instructions,  and  set  forth  early  in  the  morn 
ing  on  their  errand.  Perhaps  the  girl  had  rejoined 
her  companions  of  the  Red  House  tavern,  but 
they  were  only  three,  the  country  unsettled,  and 
they  might  easily  be  overcome.  A  dozen  men 
would  answer  his  call,  stanch  Tories  who  had 
not  forgotten  the  scene  on  King's  Mountain.  He 
and  they  sought  for  revenge  ;  as  for  the  two,  he 
would  pay  them  in  good  English  gold. 


124  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

THE    ATTACK    ON    THE    LOG    HOUSE. 

GENERAL  MARION  had  a  double  purpose  in 
attacking  the  cabin  ;  to  avenge  the  injury  done 
Constance  Bourmont,  and  to  aid  the  cause  of  the 
Colonies  by  striking  a  blow  at  those  who  were 
partisans  of  Lord  Cornwallis. 

The  discovery  that  Major  Brooks  was 'a  traitor 
to  the  uniform  he  wore  was  scarcely  a  surprise 
to  Clark  and  the  Carolinian  ;  his  words  at  the 
Red  House  tavern  aroused  suspicion  in  their 
minds,  and  his  insult  to  a  seemingly  defenseless 
woman  spoke  more  of  the  Tory  renegade  than  of 
an  American  officer.  Through  Mistress  Bour- 
mont's  misfortune  his  treachery  was  made  known, 
otherwise  we  should  have  continued  on  our  spe 
cial  errand,  leaving  the  other  to  his  plotting.  So, 
with  double  reasons,  we  prepared  to  close  in  upon 
the  cabin.  It  was  an  hour  when  those  within 
would  have  the  least  fear  of  danger. 

The  guide  would  have  accompanied  us,  but 
General  Marion  objected,  as  the  discharge  of  fire 
arms  and  the  like  would  affright  the  horses,  and 
they  must  be  guarded,  for  we  could  not  run  the 
risk  of  their  breaking  halters  and  being  lost  to  us. 

He  turned  to  the  disappointed  countryman, 
saying  :  "We  are  even  now  four  to  three,  though 
the  enemy  has  the  advantage,  as  they  are  pro 
tected  by  walls  of  logs.  You  can  best  serve  the 


THE    ATTACK   ON   THE   LOG    HOUSE.      125 

Colonies  by  holding  in  readiness  the  horses  ;  \ve 
might  be  attacked  from  the  loutside  by  others 
coming  up,  in  which  case  they  are  our  only 
safety. " 

A  plan  was  quickly  formed.  Marion  and  the 
Carolinian  would  approach  the  house  from  the 
front,  force  open  the  door  and  fall  upon  those 
within  while  they  slept ;  averse  to  unnecessary 
bloodshed  it  was  the  desire  of  the  commander 
that  if  possible  they  should  be  taken  prisoners. 
Clark  and  I  would  gain  the  rear  of  the  building, 
blocking  the  way  to  the  out-house  where  were 
quartered  their  horses  ;  if  they  escaped  Marion 
and  McDowell  they  would  find  us  to  deal  with. 

The  brightness  of  the  moon  was  dimmed,  when, 
having  cautioned  the  countryman  to  watch  carefully 
the  road  over  which  reinforcements  must  come,  did 
they  approach  the  clearing,  Marion  and  the  Caro 
linian  left  the  shelter  of  the  trees  and  made  for  the 
door  of  the  cabin.  At  the  same  moment  Clark 
beckoned  that  I  follow  him,  and  plunged  into  the 
bushes.  Doing  so  I  made  a  detour,  issuing  from 
the  forest  at  the  point  from  whence,  a  few  hours  be 
fore,  he  and  McDowell  had  gained  the  rear  wall  of 
the  dwelling. 

Silence  reigned.  A  shadow  cast  by  a  passing 
cloud  threw  a  black  fantastic  shape  athwart  the 
clearing,  through  which  1  could  discern  the  dis 
torted  form  of  the  log  house,  weird  and  ghost-like. 
From  between  the  cracks  in  the  logs,  the  yellow 
gleam  of  the  lantern  within  shone  in  long  streaks 
of  wavering  light,  but  no  voice  broke  the  stillness  ; 
the  three  Tories  unmindful  of  danger  slept  soundly. 

The  ranger  paused  for  a  moment  at  the  edge  of 
the  underbrush  and  said  slowly  :  "  Perhaps  it  may 
seem  an  ill  thing  to  attack  sleeping  men,  for  some 


126  A   CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

blood  is  sure  to  be  spilled  to-night ;  but  M.  de 
Marc  will  readily  perceive  that  we  deal  not  with 
soldiers,  or  honest  countrymen,  but  spies  and  cut 
throats,  whose  business  it  is  to  pillage,  and  insult 
defenseless  women." 

"  Then,"  said  I,  comprehending  the  meaning  of  his 
words,  "  those  within  may  not  be  taken  prisoners  ?  " 

For  reply,  he  looked  to  the  priming  of  his  rifle. 
"  'Tis  well  to  have  one's  weapons  handy,"  replied 
he  shortly,  "  we  shall  have  need  of  them." 

Thus  speaking  he  stepped  into  the  clearing,  and 
hidden  by  the  shadow  from  any  watching  eye,  we 
noiselessly  approached  the  cabin. 

Looking  through  a  crack,  I  saw  that  in  the  lower 
room  was  but  one  man,  who,  wrapped  in  his  cloak, 
lay  snoring  upon  a  bench  ;  the  regular  breathing  of 
those  who  lay  upon  the  straw  betrayed  their  pres 
ence.  A  grim  smile  crossed  the  stolid  coun 
tenance  of  the  American,  and  I  saw  his  finger  go 
instinctively  to  the  trigger.  For  a  moment  a  thrill 
of  pity  for  those  within  took  the  place  of  anger  for 
the  insult  to  Mistress  Bourmont.  How  small  their 
chance  before  the  determined  purpose  of  the  ranger 
and  the  Carolinian  !  But  thought  of  the  hours  of 
anguish  passed  by  Constance  in  the  cabin  steeled 
my  heart  to  all  inclination  toward  mercy  ;  the 
mountaineers  were  mere  hirelings  and  could  be  left 
to  the  rifles  of  my  companions,  but  Major  Brooks 
should  answer  to  me,  if  he  escaped  the  wrath  of 
the  Americans  whose  cause  he  had  betrayed. 

A  movement  before  the  house  drew  my  attention 
from  observations  of  the  interior.  The  door  was 
bolted  on  the  inside,  but  General  Marion  and  Mc 
Dowell  soon  overcame  that  obstacle.  As  I  with 
drew  my  eyes  from  the  examination  crack,  a  crash 
broke  the  stillness  of  the  night,  which  to  my  ex- 


THE  ATTACK   ON   THE   LOG   HOUSE.      I2/ 

cited  imagination  sounded  like  the  rending  asunder 
of  the  very  walls  themselves.  My  companion  ut 
tered  an  exclamation  as  he  bent  forward  to  look 
within.  Following  his  example  1  saw  the  door 
tremble  upon  its  hinges,  the  next  moment  a  second 
crash,  and  the  panel  was  shattered,  beaten  in  by 
the  heavy  stock  of  the  Carolinian's  rifle. 

In  an  instant  there  was  confusion  in  the  cabin. 
At  the  first  assault  the  man  lying  upon  the  bench, 
and  whom  I  recognized  as  Major  Brooks,  sprang  to 
his  feet  reaching  for  the  brace  of  pistols  which  were 
on  the  table.  The  second  onset  brought  to  his  as 
sistance  those  who  were  above.  Being  so  suddenly 
awakened  the  three  men  could  not  at  once  com 
prehend  what  had  befallen.  The  noise  alarmed 
them,  and  the  sight  of  the  splintered  door,  with  the 
appearance  of  a  rifle  stock,  brought  to  each  a  reali 
zation  that  the  place  was  attacked,  and  they  must 
defend  themselves. 

Although!  a  coward  and  ruffian,  Major  Brooks 
was  the  first  to  recover  himself.  Who  those  out 
side  were  he  knew  not,  unless  Mistress  Bourmont, 
after  regaining  liberty,  had  directed  certain  ones  to 
her  former  prison.  While  hesitating,  with  pistols 
in  readiness,  the  barrel  of  a  rifle  was  thrust  through 
the  opening  in  the  panel,  and  a  voice  which  I  rec 
ognized  as  General  Marion's  said  : 

"  Sir,  it  is  the  desire  of  those  who  hold  you  at 
their  mercy  to  avoid  unnecessary  bloodshed  ;  you 
may  find  it  best  to  surrender  peaceably." 

Clark  muttered  under  his  breath,  and  although 
unable  to  catch  his  words  I  knew  he  little  favored 
Marion's  conciliatory  speech. 

For  a  moment  the  Major  replied  nothing,  then, 
although  the  muzzle  of  the  rifle  threatened  him,  an 
swered  in  a  defiant  manner  : 


128  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

"  I  know  not  to  whom  I  speak,  or  who  calls  upon 
us  to  surrender.  Concealed  by  the  darkness,  it 
is  safe  to  come  against  a  peaceful  dwelling  and 
threaten,  but  robbers  and  cut-throats  will  find  little 
here  of  value." 

li  Fine  speeches,"  growled  my  companion,  "  mean 
while  some  plot  is  brewing." 

Marion  and  the  Carolinian  appeared  to  hold  a 
consultation. 

"  Come  !  "  again  cried  the  Major,  "  who  demands 
surrender  ?  " 

As  I  watched  him  closely  I  noted  that  even  as  he 
spoke  he  shifted  slightly  his  position,  edging  nearer 
to  the  table  upon  which  stood  the  lantern. 

General  Marion  seemed  not  pleased  with  the 
Major's  speech,  for  his  voice  rang  out  sharply, 
"  We  are  those  who  serve  the  Colonies ;  whose 
business  it  is  to  seek  out  traitors  and " 

Before  he  could  finish  his  sentence,  the  Major's 
hand  nearest  the  table  swept  outward,  hurling  the 
lantern  to  the  floor,  leaving  the  room  in  total  dark 
ness.  Before  the  crash  died  away  a  blinding  flash 
filled  the  cabin,  and  the  report  of  McDowell's  rifle 
set  other  echoes  ringing. 

If  the  shot  took  effect  no  sound  from  within  re 
vealed  it ;  there  was  a  rush  of  feet,  the  creaking  of 
the  ladder  and  a  second  shot  from  the  Major's 
pistol.  His  companions  had  fled  into  the  loft  leav 
ing  him  to  defend  the  door. 

"  This  comes  of  speech-making,"  muttered  Clark, 
"  'tis  little  like  the  Swamp  Fox  to  meet  the  enemy 
with  words." 

Before  I  could  reply  he  was  gone,  and  I  made 
haste  to  join  those  before  the  door. 

We  had  aroused  the  enemy,  and  being  protected 
by  walls  of  logs,  they  could  set  up  a  stubborn  re- 


THE   ATTACK    ON   THE    LOG    HOUSE.       129 

sistance.  The  bolted  door  had  disarranged  Marion's 
plan,  and  it  needed  small  perception  to  <now  that 
those  within  would  defend  themselves  desperately. 

I  looked  about  for  Clark  ;  he  had  vanished  as 
noiselessly  as  the  fleeting  shadows  cast  by  the 
passing  clouds.  Marion  greeted  me  soberly,  yet 
with  a  smile  which  calmed  my  apprehension. 

"McDowell  proposes  to  fire  the  cabin,''  said  he, 
"  but  there  may  be  a  better  way  ;  it  is  a  savage 
custom  to  apply  the  torch  when  cunning  fails." 

Not  knowing  what  to  suggest  I  replied  nothing, 
and  Marion  turned  to  the  Carolinian. 

Suddenly  the  moon  burst  from  a  bank  of  clouds, 
lighting  up  the  clearing,  and  revealing  every  beam 
and  corner  of  the  silent  house.  An  exclamation 
from  McDowell  drew  me  to  his  side.  Fallowing 
the  direction  indicated  by  his  outstretched  finger,  I 
saw  outlined  above  the  slanting  peak  of  the  roof, 
the  body  of  a  man.  Had  the  moon  remained 
hidden,  he  might  have  gained  his  purpose,  which 
was  to  escape  in  the  darkness.  Our  attention  had 
been  concentrated  upon  the  shattered  door,  and  the 
probability  of  any  one  venturing  upon  the  roof,  and 
thus  finding  a  way  out  of  danger,  had  not  suggested 
itself  to  my  companions. 

The  lighted  heavens  which  revealed  to  us  the 
person  of  the  mountaineer,  also  showed  him  our 
little  party  standing  outside.  The  soft  rays  of  the 
moon  bathed  the  roof  in  a  silvery  radiance,  only 
blotted  by  the  black  crouching  figure  of  the  hapless 
man  who  expected  each  moment  to  feel  the  fatal 
lead  in  his  vitals. 

Perhaps  the  interval  of  respite   allowed  by  the 

inactivity  of  Marion  and  the  Carolinian   rendered 

the  man  bold,  or,  his  companion  standing  beneath 

the  opening  in  the  roof,  suggested  a  means  whereby 

9 


I3O  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

he  might  escape  from  his  unpleasant  position. 
With  the  energy  of  despair,  he  sprang  suddenly  up 
right,  and  throwing  his  body  forward  disappeared 
over  the  ridge  of  the  slanting  roof.  With  an  ex 
clamation  McDowell  darted  forward,  that  he  might 
by  circling  the  cabin  prevent  the  man's  escape  to 
the  ground  on  the  other  side.  But  before  he  could 
cross  the  intervening  space  the  sharp  report  of  a 
rifle  broke  the  silence.  The  death  shriek  of  the 
Tory  sounded  before  the  echo  of  the  shot  rebounded 
from  the  walls  of  the  forest.  Struck  in  mid-air 
while  dropping  from  the  roof,  the  fatal  bullet  reached 
his  heart  during  the  short  instant  on  which  hung 
his  chance  of  liberty. 

The  absence  of  Sergeant  Clark  was  explained, 
for  it  was  his  hand  which  had  fired  the  death-deal 
ing  shot  at  the  enemy.  He  had  been  trained  in  the 
cunning  of  border  warfare,  and  knew  the  likelihood 
of  those  within  seeking  just  that  sort  of  escape. 
The  succeeding  event  justified  his  caution. 

As  the  thud  of  the  body  upon  the  earth  reached 
the  ears  of  those  within,  a  bitter  imprecation  burst 
from  the  lips  of  the  dead  mountaineer's  companion. 
Major  Brooks  remained  silent,  watching  doubtless 
for  a  chance  to  use  his  pistols.  If  taken  alive  he 
knew  well  the  fate  reserved  for  him  ;  a  traitor  to 
the  cause  of  the  Carolinas,  he  could  expect  no 
mercy  from  his  captors. 

But  it  was  no  longer  the  purpose  of  General 
Marion  to  avoid  bloodshed.  At  any  moment  re 
inforcements  might  come  to  the  rescue  of  those 
within,  and  we  perforce  become  the  defenders. 
Clark  had  acted  with  pitiless  promptitude  ;  already 
one  of  the  enemy  was  dead,  and  the  American 
commander  resolved  to  end  the  matter  quickly. 
Possessed  of  an  indomitable  spirit,  and  accus- 


THE   ATTACK   ON   THE   LOG   HOUSE.      131 

tomed  to  act  quickly  when  in  the  field,  he  soon 
formed  a  plan  of  attack.  Clark  already  guarded 
the  out-house,  nor  could  anyone  leave  the  cabin  on 
that  side  unnoticed  by  him. 

In  a  few  words  I  was  told  to  guard  the  door,  and 
fire  upon  whoever  showed  themselves  from  within 
the  cabin.  General  Marion  and  McDowell  would 
reach  the  roof  from  the  rear,  and  gain  an  entrance 
through  the  opening  by  which  the  mountaineer  had 
sought  to  make  an  escape.  When  they  made  a 
foothold  I  was  to  fire  upon  the  door,  and  the  de 
fenders,  fearing  an  attack  from  the  front,  might 
leave  the  attic  unguarded,  permitting  the  entrance 
of  those  above.  Thus  I  was  left  alone  before  the 
house,  and  with  a  pistol  in  each  hand  awaited  the 
appearance  of  my  companions  beside  the  opening 
in  the  roof. 

Again  there  was  silence  in  the  clearing,  a  lull  be 
fore  the  storm.  It  seemed  a  most  strange  position 
in  which  I  found  myself;  a  non-combatant  guarding 
the  door  of  an  isolated  cabin  in  the  wilderness,  and 
bidden  to  shoot  down  a  fellow-man  with  no  thought 
of  mercy.  At  King's  Mountain  I  entered  with  zeal 
into  the  conflict,  for  there  was  the  excitement  of 
battle;  now  I  felt  depressed  and  ill  at  ease,  a  con 
dition  heightened  by  dismal  surroundings. 

However,  there  was  short  time  for  bruoding;  the 
head  of  the  Carolinian  appeared  above  the  ridge  of 
the  roof,  and  remembering  my  instructions  I  leveled 
a  pistol  at  the  door,  and  fired.  An  answering  shot 
came  from  within,  as  though  the  defenders  wished 
to  show  they  were  on  the  alert.  At  the  same  in 
stant  the  body  of  the  Carolinian  dropped  through 
the  opening  in  the  roof,  but  so  noiselessly  that  those 
below  could  have  no  suspicion  of  his  presence. 

I  was  puzzled  that  McDowell  should  enter  alone 


132  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

the  house  defended  by  two  desperate  men.  That 
he  was  a  match  for  either  I  knew,  but,  if  beset  by 
both,  there  seemed  small  chance  of  his  escaping 
unharmed.  I  resolved  on  the  instant  to  participate 
in  the  struggle  which  would  follow  his  discovery  by 
Major  Brooks  and  his  companion.  At  the  first 
sound  of  tumult,  or  the  firing  of  a  shot,  I  would 
hurl  myself  against  the  door ;  weakened  by  the 
previous  blows  it  might  give  way,  when,  attacking 
both  in  front  and  rear,  we  should  certainly  have 
them  at  disadvantage. 

My  plan  came  to  nothing;  while  I  waited,  ex 
pecting  each  moment  to  hear  the  signal  for  taking 
part  in  the  game,  the  head  of  the  Carolinian  reap 
peared  through  the  opening.  The  next  moment  he 
regained  the  roof,  clambered  over  the  ridge  and 
disappeared  from  view. 

The  meaning  of  this  hurried  action  soon  became 
apparent.  I  had  scarcely  time  to  note  his  reap 
pearance,  when  a  tiny  glow  shone  through  a  crack 
above  the  door.  The  fitful  gleam  held  me  spell 
bound,  an  unconscious  fascination  riveted  my  gaze 
upon  the  narrow  crevice  through  which  soon  a  fiery 
serpent  forced  its  way  toward  the  outside  air.  A 
slender  tongue  of  flame  followed  the  first  glow  of 
the  spark  within  ;  fanned  by  the  night  breeze  which 
blew  across  the  clearing,  it  clutched  with  tenacious 
fingers  the  dry  bark  upon  the  logs,  shriveling  it  up, 
scorching  the  more  solid  wood  beneath.  McDowell 
had  fired  the  straw  stored  in  the  loft,  and  the  enemy 
must  fight  a  more  relentless  foe  than  had  yet  at 
tacked  them. 

So  intently  I  watched  the  progress  of  the  fire 
that  the  Carolinian  reached  my  side  unnoticed. 

"The  place  is  a  tinder  box,"  said  he,  "  and  the 
fire  has  a  firm  hold.  A  goodly  quantity  of  straw 


THE    ATTACK    ON   THE    LOG    HOUSE.       133 

was  in  there,  with  no  water  at  hand,  and  they  can 
not  check  the  flames." 

"See,"  he  continued,  pointing  to  a  great  shower 
of  sparks  which  suddenly  poured  through  the  open 
ing  in  the  roof,  "  the  blaze  is  discovered,  and  the 
fools  would  beat  it  out." 

"  But  they  will  surely  come  from  the  house, "said 
I,  "if  they  cannot  subdue  the  flames." 

He  smiled  grimly.  "  Probably,  unless  yon  traitor 
is  akin  to  one  who  cannot  be  burned  with  fire. 
Hut  in  any  case  I  warrant  he  will  plot  no  more,  or 
betray  helpless  women  ;  of  that  M.  de  Marc  may 
be  assured." 

"  And  General  Marion  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  He  and  Sergeant  Clark  went  to  the  horses," 
replied  he,  "and  to  make  sure  that  the  Tories 
should  not  pass  the  out-house." 

The  fire,  fanned  by  the  draft  admitted  through 
the  opening  in  the  roof,  and  the  crevices  between 
the  logs,  burned  fiercely.  The  walls  and  floors  of 
the  loft  dry  as  tinder  offered  no  resistance  to  the 
flames  which  now  poured  in  livid  streaks  of  red 
and  yellow  from  the  blazing  pile  within.  A  rosy 
light  mingled  with  that  of  the  moon  ;  gradually  the 
heavens  grew  red  and  a  bloody  glare  filled  the 
whole  clearing.  Thin  wreaths  of  smoke  curled 
from  every  crack,  which,  floating  upward,  formed  a 
dark  cloud  hovering  like  a  bird  of  ill-omen  over  the 
fated  cabin.  As  the  conflagration  increased,  the 
fierceness  of  the  heat  drove  our  enemies  from  the 
loft  whither  they  had  hastened  to  put  out  the  blaz 
ing  straw. 

"Look  you,"  said  McDowell,  "in  five  minutes 
more  the  fire  will  burn  through  the  floor,  and  those 
below  must  seek  safety  in  flight.  Stand  ready, 
M.  de  Marc,  to  receive  them." 


134  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

"  But,"  I  cried,  "  would  you  slay  defenseless  men 
driven  forth  by  fire  and  thus  obliged  to  place  them 
selves  at  your  mercy?"  I  shrank  instinctively 
from  the  duty  assigned  me. 

"  I  would  spare  them,"  replied  he  grimly,  "  for — 
the  hangman;  but  they  are  not  defenseless,  being 
well  armed  and  withal  most  desperate." 

I  remained  silent,  resolved  to  stay  my  hand  unless 
for  self-preservation,  or  if  my  companion  demanded 
action.  Two — three  minutes  passed;  the  upper 
portion  of  the  cabin  became  a  raging  furnace;  dart 
ing  flames  encircled  the  roof  on  every  side  :  the  fall 
of  a  beam  into  the  red  mass  beneath  sent  heaven 
ward  a  thousand  angry  tongues  of  fire. 

McDowell  stood  at  my  side,  the  stern  lines  of  his 
rugged  face  illumined  by  the  glare  from  the  blazing 
pile.  Of  what  he  might  be  thinking  I  knew  not ; 
his  hand  had  applied  the  spark,  yet  I  scarce  thought 
he  gloried  in  his  work.  Necessity  compelled  strong 
measures,  and  those  within  the  cabin  merited  no 
mercy  at  the  hands  of  honest  soldiers. 

That  they  withstood  so  long  the  smoke  and  heat 
which  filled  the  lower  room  amazed  me ;  a  sudden 
thought  flashed  through  my  mind. 

"  The  smoke,"  said  I,  "  perhaps  it  has  overcome 
them,"  and  I  took  a  step  toward  the  door. 

"  Hold  !"  cried  the  Carolinian,  "would  you  make 
a  target  for  a  pistol  shot  ?  They  are  about  to  rush 
upon  us." 

Even  as  he  uttered  the  warning,  the  shattered 
door  was  burst  open,  and  Major  Brooks  followed 
by  his  companion  crossed  the  threshold.  So  be 
grimed  were  they  with  smoke  and  ashes  that  it 
was  impossible  to  distinguish  their  features.  The 
mountaineer  had  lost  his  courage,  for  no  sooner  did 
he  perceive  us,  than,  throwing  down  his  rifle, 


THE   ATTACK   ON   THE   LOG   HOUSE.       135 

he  cried  that  he  surrendered.  Perhaps  the  Major 
might  have  followed  his  example  had  not  the  light 
from  the  burning  building  revealed  our  features, 
and  he  recognized  his  companions  of  the  Red 
House  tavern.  He  faced  us  bravely,  but  behind 
the  courage  was  the  reckless  daring  of  a  desperate 
animal  held  at  bay.  The  moral  fiber  of  the  man  per 
mitted  of  no  genuine  heroism;  'twas  as  a  wolf,  who, 
red  with  the  gore  of  his  victim,  turns  to  meet  the 
hounds  pressing  close  upon  him.  His  restless 
eyes,  glazed  and  bloodshot  by  reason  of  the  smoke 
and  heat,  roamed  over  our  persons,  from  the  stern 
face  of  the  Carolinian  to  the  level  rifle  barrel  held 
with  no  unsteady  hand.  Faced  by  certain  death — 
the  blazing  cabin  behind — he  saw  no  way  of  es 
cape. 

"  Sirs,"  said  he  in  a  dry,  rasping  voice,  "  what 
would  you  of  me,  that  you  attack  a  peaceful  house 
with  fire  and  bullets?  " 

"  Had  you  surrendered,"  cried  I,  "  General 
Marion — 

He  started,  his  face  paling  beneath  its  covering 
of  sweat  and  smoke.  Suddenly  his  courage  seemed 
to  leave  him  ;  for  the  pistol  dropped  from  his  nerve 
less  nngers,  and  unarmed  he  advanced  toward  us, 
followed  by  his  trembling  companion.  Whether  it 
was  in  his  mind  to  throw  himself  upon  the  mercy 
of  Marion,  trusting  that  an  opportunity  for  escape 
might  offer,  or  fresh  treachery  was  in  his  brain,  I 
know  not.  As  McDowell  lowered  the  muzzle  of 
his  rifle,  a  chorus  of  angry  shouts  arose  from  the 
forest,  and  upon  the  edge  of  the  clearing  appeared 
a  company  of  footmen,  who  marched  toward  us  with 
much  show  of  determination. 

Bewildered  by  so  unexpected  a  development,  I 
felt  that  we  were  lost,  as,  standing  in  the  glare  of 


136  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

the  burning  cabin,  we  presented  a  good  mark  for  the 
guns  of  those  advancing. 

McDowell  remained  motionless,  his  rifle  poised, 
his  gaze  fixed  intently  upon  the  approaching  figures. 
At  the  same  moment  General  Marion  and  the  ran 
ger  appeared  from  behind  the  blazing  timbers. 

Though  they  greatly  outnumbered  us,  the  line  of 
footmen  hesitated,  as  if  uncertain  whether  to  greet 
us  by  a  discharge  of  fire-arms,  or  to  hold  a  parley. 
One,  who  appeared  to  be  the  leader,  wore  an 
American  uniform  and  a  cavalry  helmet,  set  off  by 
a  flowing  horse-tail  plume.  He  came  on  boldly, 
pistol  in  hand,  until  twenty  paces  separated  him 
from  his  companions. 

"  Sirs,"  he  cried,  flourishing  the  weapon,  "  it  is 
our  purpose  to  make  you  prisoners,  but  if  you  sur 
render  quietly  fair  treatment  will  be  accorded 
you." 

A  faint  smile  crossed  the  features  of  General 
Marion,  and  advancing  a  step  he  replied  calmly, 

"What  now,  Sergeant  Dobson,  that  you  come 
against  us  in  so  determined  a  manner?" 

The  wearer  of  the  horse-tail  helmet  stared  in 
credulously  ;  a  murmur  of  astonishment  arose  from 
his  companions,  and  I  heard  the  name  of  "  Marion  " 
spoken  by  a  dozen  voices. 

He  approached  the  leader  and  a  whispered  dia 
logue  took  place  between  them,  those  behind  re 
maining  at  a  respectful  distance,  but  with  every  eye 
fixed  upon  the  slender  form  of  the  American  com 
mander. 

We  soon  learned  the  cause  of  their  sudden  ap 
pearance.  Mistress  Bourmont,  after  escaping  from 
the  cabin,  reached  those  to  whom  we  had  entrusted 
her  before  our  departure  for  King's  Mountain.  A 
recital  of  her  betrayal  by  the  supposed  messenger 


THE   ATTACK   UN    THE    LOG   HOUSE.       137 

from  Camden  aroused  in  the  countrymen  a  desire 
to  avenge  her,  and  it  was  decided  to  proceed  in 
force  to  the  cabin  in  the  forest,  hoping  to  find  there 
some  one  who  would  render  an  accounting. 

Choosing  for  a  leader  a  trooper  of  Marion's  com 
mand,  they  set  out  on  foot,  intending  to  surround  the 
house  before  any  one  should  suspect  their  coming, 
or  if  the  place  was  tenantless,  to  burn  it  to  the 
ground.  Hastening  through  the  forest  the  sound  of 
shots  and  the  glare  from  the  burning  cabin  filled 
them  with  astonishment,  but  they  advanced  boldly, 
little  suspecting  that  General  Marion  and  his  com 
panions  had  forestalled  them. 

We  remained  in  the  clearing  until  morning,  when 
I  with  a  light  heart  accompanied  the  American  from 
the  scene  of  the  night's  adventure.  The  knowledge 
that  Constance  Bourmont  was  in  safety  removed  an 
oppressive  weight  from  my  heart.  As  to  the  fate 
of  the  prisoners  who  marched  with  us  closely  guarded 
by  the  countrymen,  I  could  but  conjecture.  Justice 
was  meted  out  in  that  unsettled  region  with  no  light 
hand,  and  I  remembered  the  incident  following  the 
battle  of  King's  Mountain. 


138  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

THE  COMING  AGAIN  TO  CHESTER. 

NOTHING  worthy  of  note  occurred  during  our 
return  to  Chester.  Mistress  Bourmont  had  awaited 
us  there  after  regaining  her  liberty.  Perhaps  she 
greeted  me  with  more  warmth  of  manner  than  that 
accorded  to  Clark  and  the  Carolinian,  but  of  grati 
tude  to  those  who  had  served  her  so  well,  and  risked 
so  much,  there  was  no  lack.  The  anxieties  and 
dangers  through  which  she  had  passed  left  their 
imprint  upon  her  face.  There  were  shadows  not 
seen  before,  and  a  vague  look  of  alarm  in  the  eyes. 
She  seemed,  too,  more  womanly,  having  laid  aside 
the  dress  of  her  brother  in  which  she  journeyed 
south,  and  obtained  garments  suitable  ;  so  it  was 
again  the  reserved  maid  who  had  greeted  me  on  that 
memorable  morning  at  Bourmont  House.  Noticing 
my  glance  and  surmising  its  cause,  a  delicate  flush 
overspread  her  brow,  and  her  eyes  sought  the  ground. 
Urged  on  by  an  indomitable  spirit,  she  had  scarcely 
stopped  to  weigh  the  action  which  sent  her  among 
the  rough  troopers  of  the  south,  clad  in  jacket 
and  breeches,  nor  methinks.  had  she  given  it  a 
thought,  when  it  seemed  imperative  as  a  means  to 
an  end. 

But  having  cast  them  aside,  maidenly  reserve  as 
serted  itself.  I  had  thought  little  of  it,  understanding 
her  motives,  neither  had  the  ranger  and  McDowell  ; 
in  truth,  her  masquerading  seemed  most  natural,  and 


THE   COMING  AGAIN   TO   CHESTER.       139 

filled  me  with  admiration.  I  had  accepted  her  pres 
ence  as  another  companion,  who  would  share  alike 
our  hardships  and  our  fortunes,  for  the  slender,  boy 
ish  figure  who  had  sought  to  defend  her  honor  when 
assailed  by  the  Tory  Major,  seemed  less  the  woman 
and  more  the  quiet  youth,  untrained  in  the  game  of 
war,  but  of  intrepid  spirit. 

The  meeting  at  Chester  dispelled  the  illusion  ; 
the  blush  which  overspread  her  countenance,  the 
flash  of  the  hazel  eyes  as  she  raised  them  half 
timidly  to  mine,  brought  with  full  force  upon  me  the 
truth  that  it  was  Constance  Bourmont  of  the  West- 
chester  hills  who  stood  before  me,  and  not  my  late 
comrade  of  the  Red  House  tavern. 

General  Marion  perceiving  the  maid  relieved  the 
embarrassment  which  each  moment  was  increasing. 

"Mistress  Bourmont,"  said  he,  extending  his 
hand  with  much  gallantry,  "  it  is  indeed  a  pleasure 
to  meet  one  whose  brother  has  rendered  signal  serv 
ice  to  his  country." 

The  reference  to  him,  whose  presence  in  the  south 
had  brought  her  hither,  and  the  cordiality  of  the 
officer's  greeting  awakened  in  her  heart  a  feeling  of 
profound  gratitude,  for  she  perceived  that  Marion, 
with  ready  tact,  sought  to  dispel  her  disquietude. 

"  I  deeply  regret,"  continued  he,  "  that  duty 
renders  necessary  the  severance  for  the  time  of  an 
acquaintanceship  which  I  hope  will  be  of  long  dura 
tion.  I  can  remain  in  Chester  but  a  few  hours, 
having  already  been  absent  some  days  from  my 
command.  Were  it  otherwise  I  should  hold  it  an 
honor  to  accompany  you  to  Camden,  where  Captain 
Bourmont  awaits  you." 

"  Have  you  seen  him  ?  "  cried  she  anxiously  ;  "  is 
there  any  danger?" 

"  Have    no    fear,"     replied    Marion ;    "  though 


140  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

wounded,  your  brother  is  in  little  danger,  of  that  I 
have  assured  myself." 

"  Ah,  sir,"  I  ventured,  "  is  it  then  impossible  for 
you  to  accompany  us  to  Camden  ?  " 

"  It  is  indeed,"  replied  Marion  ;  "  yesterday,  having 
found  Mistress  Bourmont,  I  hoped  to  have  done  so. 
But  I  find  an  imperative  call  to  the  east.  I  have 
just  heard  that  certain  of  our  soldiers,  also  two  coun 
trymen  of  M.  de  Marc's,  have  fallen  into  the  hands  of 
the  British.  It  may  be  the  purpose  of  Cornwallis  to 
send  them  to  the  sea-coast ;  if  so,  some  plan  must  be 
devised  for  their  rescue." 

His  words  brought  back  clearly  to  my  mind  the  er 
rand  for  which  I  had  left  my  native  land  and  now  so 
long  neglected.  It  had  been  my  intention  to  conduct 
Constance  Bourmont  to  her  destination,  but  the 
American  commander  unconsciously,  by  his  straight 
forward,  simple  words,  set  before  me  the  truth  that 
inclination  should  yield  to  duty.  With  Clark  and 
McDowell  at  her  side  the  girl  needed  no  other  pro 
tector.  More  than  this,  Marion  had  spoken  of  two 
Frenchmen,  and — the  Vicomte  was  in  the  south. 

Constance  with  quick  perception  noticed  the 
cloud  upon  my  brow  and  surmised  its  cause. 

"  Sir, "  said  she,  turning  to  General  Marion,  ''you 
spoke  of  two  from  France  held  by  Cornwallis  ;  could 
it  be  possible  that  one  is  the  friend  whom  M.  de 
Marc  seeks  ?  " 

"  I  have  heard  something  of  his  mission  to  the 
Carolinas, "  replied  the  officer  ;  "  and  it  would  not  be 
an  over-strange  thing  if  a  prisoner  held  in  Charlotte 
answered  to  the  description  of  the  Vicomte." 

"Then,"  cried  the  girl,  "of  course  M.  de  Marc 
cannot  accompany  me 'to  Camden  ;  too  much  time 
has  already  been  given  for  a  purpose  quite  foreign 
to  his  errand." 


THE   COMING   AGAIN   TO    CHESTER.       14! 

My  heart  fell  with  chagrin  and  sorrow  that  she 
should  in  so  light  a  manner  propose  my  separation 
from  herself,  but  I  stifled  the  pang,  and  acquiesced 
in  her  decision.  In  her  face  I  saw  an  expression 
of  mute  surprise  at  my  hesitation  when  duty  called, 
and  I  read  her  thoughts  plainly;  that  to  serve  her 
unnecessarily,  and  thus  be  withheld  from  my 
avowed  mission  to  America,  would  not  enhance 
my  value  in  her  eyes.  Of  such  stuff  were  made  the 
women  of  the  Colonies  !  Rousing  from  my  disap 
pointment  I  turned  to  General  Marion. 

"  Sir,"  said  I,  "  I  am  obliged  to  trespass  upon 
your  courtesy  about  a  matter  which  fills  me  with 
much  perplexity.  As  you  know,  I  was  sent  from 
Paris  for  certain  reasons,  by  my  patron  the  Count  le 
Mans,  and  his  Majesty,  Louis  the  Sixteenth.  Grave 
difficulties  have  arisen  which,  alone,  I  am  not  able 
to  surmount,  but  with  your  advice 

He  checked  me  by  a  gesture  of  frank  cordiality. 
"  'Tis  unnecessary  to  petition  for  what  is  freely 
given,"  said  he,  "  and  to  that  end  I  was  just  upon  the 
point  of  requesting  an  interview.  Having  learned 
from  Sergeant  Clark  the  purpose  of  your  journey  to 
the  Carolinas  I  made  some  inquiries  which  returned 
a  little  information.  Certain  of  your  countrymen, 
unfamiliar  with  the  south,  have  fallen  into  the  hands 
of  Cornwallis  ;  France  and  England  being  at  war, 
he  has  detained  them  as  prisoners.  Whether  the 
Vicomte  was  among  them  I  know  not ;  the  descrip 
tion  of  their  persons  was  meager." 

"  Well,"  said  I,  "  I  suppose  I  can  gain  informa 
tion  within  the  English  lines." 

He  looked  at  me  sharply.  "  Do  you  then  pro 
pose  to  go  there  ?  " 

"  I  propose  to  find  the  Vicomte,"  replied  I,  "  and 
if  there  is  no " 


142  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

"  They  will  make  of  you  a  prisoner,"  cried  Mis 
tress  Bourmont,  her  cheeks  paling;  "it  would  be 
the  height  of  rashness." 

Marion  smiled  gravely.  "Under  certain  condi 
tions,"  said  he,  "  the  venture  might  not  be  so  serious. 
Lord  Cornwallis  is  not  without  honor  :  under  a  flag 
of  truce  your  person  would  be  respected." 

It  was  a  sudden  and  perhaps  bold  resolve  which 
I  had  made,  but  if  the  Vicomte  was  a  prisoner  in 
the  camp  of  the  British,  there  could  be  no  gain  in 
continuing  a  search  through  the  Carolinas,  and  the 
clue  which  General  Marion  had  given  me  must  not  be 
lost.  I  would  enter  the  enemy's  lines  without  dis 
simulation,  and,  Lord  Cornwallis  being  a  soldier, 
could  scarcely  refuse  me  an  audience.  Anxious  to 
lay  the  plan  before  Clark  and  McDowell,  I  took  leave 
of  Mistress  Bourmont,  promising  to  soon  rejoin  her. 
The  words  of  General  Marion  had  somewhat  quieted 
the  fears  aroused  by  my  determination  to  pass  with 
in  the  lines  of  the  enemy  at  Charlotte,  but  I  would 
have  been  blind  not  to  perceive  her  agitation  when 
assured  of  my  purpose  to  separate  from  those  upon 
whom  in  a  great  measure  I  had  depended  for  guid 
ance  and  safety. 

I  found  my  companions  listening  to  a  discussion 
between  some  countrymen  as  to  the  probable  fate  of 
our  prisioners.  Many  were  for  hanging  them  with 
out  trial  or  mercy  ;  a  few,  however,  advised  delay, 
but  they  were  in  the  minority.  Had  Major  Brooks 
and  his  companion  been  left  to  the  mercies  of  their 
captors  they  would  have  had  short  shrift.  It  was 
well  known  that  General  Marion  countenanced  no 
violence  against  the  person  of  a  prisoner  of  war,  but 
to  spies  and  traitors  he  meted  out  such  justice  as 
the  case  warranted. 

As  Clark  and  the  Carolinian  saw  me,  they  with 


THE    COMING   AGAIN   TO   CHESTER.        143 

drew  from  the  others,  and  I  told  them  my  decision. 
After  a  moment's  thought  the  ranger  replied 
gravely:  "It  is  not  improbable  that  the  Vicomte, 
being  a  stranger  to  the  country,  has  fallen  into  the 
hands  of  the  British,  and  is  in  Charlotte.  It  is  your 
mission  to  lay  before  him  the  commands  of  his  father 
and  necessary  that  you  go  to  him,  for,  even  if  at  lib 
erty,  he  knows  nothing  of  your  presence  in  America. 
But  something  more  must  be  thought  of  ;  if  you  do 
not  find  him  in  Charlotte,  and  Cornwallis  detains 
you  as  a  prisoner,  your  usefulness  will  be  ended. 
Have  you  considered  well  the  undertaking  ?  " 

I  replied  in  the  affirmative,  and  that  I  could  see 
no  other  way  than  the  path  which  led  to  the  head 
quarters  of  the  English  commander. 

"  Then,"  replied  Clark,  "  I  propose  to  go  with 
you,  having  promised  General  Lafayette — 

The  proposition  astonished  me.  It  was  one 
thing  for  me,  a  non-combatant,  to  enter  the  English 
lines  ;  quite  another  for  so  zealous  a  patriot  as  the 
ranger  to  venture  into  the  power  of  the  enemy. 

"  It  will  be  a  useless  sacrifice,"  I  cried.  "  Corn 
wallis  can  scarcely  harm  me,  but  you  will  lose  your 
liberty." 

He  would  have  further  urged  had  not  General 
Marion  at  that  moment  joined  us,  and  overheard  my 
words.  Inquiring  the  meaning,  and  by  what  chance 
the  ranger  was  like  to  lose  his  liberty,  he  added  his 
protest  to  mine. 

"  M.  de  Marc  is  right,"  said  he.  "  General  Lafay 
ette  would  not  approve  of  so  hazardous  an  errand, 
particularly  for  one  who  is  most  useful  to  the  cause 
of  liberty.  It  would  be  a  different  matter  were  it 
necessary  to  the  success  of  the  mission  entrusted  to 
M.  de  Marc,  but  now,  the  height  of  rashness." 

"And,"    added    McDowell,     "there    are    those 


144  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

among  the   British  who  would  recognize  you  ;  the 
fate  of  Andrd  is  still  fresh  in  their  minds." 

Under  the  pressure  of  good  sense  and  so  much 
argument,  Clark  yielded,  but  expressed  his  deter 
mination  to  guide  me  to  the  place  from  whence 
I  could  most  easily  reach  the  English  lines.  We 
were  to  leave  Chester  on  the  following  morning  ; 
General  Marion  would  then  accompany  the  sergeant 
of  dragoons  eastward,  and  McDowell,  with  half  a 
score  of  the  irregulars,  conduct  Constance  Bour- 
mont  to  her  destination. 


THE   PASSING   OF   A   SENTINEL.  145 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

THE  PASSING    OF  A  SENTINEL. 

UNTIL  nearly  midnight  I  held  converse  with 
Mistress  Bourmont  and  General  Marion,  then 
sought  my  quarters,  thoroughly  fatigued  from  the 
exciting  events  of  the  past  few  days. 

Clark  and  McDowell  had  already  betaken  them 
selves  to  slumber ;  the  quiet  hamlet  was  wrapped 
in  silence  save  for  the  movements  of  a  few  who 
were  gossiping  over  their  cups  in  the  bar-room  of 
the  tavern.  Looking  from  a  window,  my  gaze  fell 
upon  the  structure  in  which  were  confined  the 
prisoners  awaiting  their  trial,  before  General  Marion 
should  have  left  Chester.  The  moonlight  of  the 
night  before,  which  witnessed  the  destruction  of 
the  cabin  in  the  forest,  had  given  place  to  semi- 
darkness  occasioned  by  the  drifting  clouds  which 
obscured  the  sky.  The  prison,  a  rude  building  of 
logs,  stood  a  hundred  paces  from  the  tavern,  and 
beyond  the  broad  road  which  passed  through  the 
center  of  the  town  ;  further  on  lay  an  open  meadow 
flanked  by  a  swamp  of  no  mean  pretension,  thickly 
studded  with  alders  and  stunted  oak. 

After  extinguishing  my  light,  I  tarried  a  moment 
at  the  window  and  watched  the  figure  of  the  solitary 
sentinel  who  guarded  the  entrance  to  the  prison,  as 
he  passed  and  repassed  across  my  line  of  vision. 
Unconsciously  I  counted  off  the  seconds ;  the 
soldier's  instructions  were  to  encircle  the  house, 
and  at  the  same  time  be  on  the  alert  for  any  disturb' 


146  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

ance  within  ;  ninety  seconds  elapsed  between  his 
disappearance  and  return  ;  his  step  so  regular  that 
in  ten  times  around  the  prison  there  was  not  the  vari 
ation  of  a  fraction  from  the  given  number.  I  knew 
not  why,  fatigued  and  nodding,  I  should  idly  watch 
the  rounds  of  the  American  ;  an  irresistible  impulse 
kept  me  at  the  window,  and  the  reckoning  of  the 
seconds  passed  my  lips  without  volition. 

Suddenly  I  became  aware  that  the  uniformity 
hitherto  maintained  had  ceased.  Insensibly  the 
number  ninety-one  passed  my  lips,  a  hundred — a 
dozen  more,  and  the  spot  where  the  sentry  should 
have  been  was  vacant.  Sleepily  I  wondered  where 
the  man  could  be  ;  why  he  had  tarried  behind  the 
building,  and  by  his  non-appearance  disturbed  my 
counts.  Throwing  off  with  an  effort  the  spell  which 
held  me,  I  turned  to  seek  my  couch,  when  a  cry, 
so  faint  as  to  be  scarcely  heard,  fell  upon  my  ear. 
That,  with  the  non-appearance  of  the  sentinel 
aroused  in  me  a  suspicion  that  something  might 
be  amiss  with  him.  Returning  to  the  window  I 
gazed  long  and  earnestly  into  the  night ;  save  for 
the  clinking  of  glasses  in  the  room  below,  no  sound 
again  broke  the  stillness.  It  was  possible  that  the 
soldier  but  tarried  behind  the  prison,  and  would 
shortly  reappear.  While  hesitating  what  course  to 
pursue,  whether  to  venture  forth  and  satisfy  my 
self  that  the  man's  absence  and  the  cry  which  I  had 
heard  meant  no  ill  to  him,  or  to  dismiss  the  matter 
as  one  which  concerned  me  little,  I  thought  of 
Clark  and  his  companion  who  slept  near  by,  and 
decided  that  under  the  circumstances  it  would  be 
wise  to  disturb,  placing  before  them  the  matter, 
and  the  fear  of  Major  Brooks's  cunning  which  had 
sprung  up  within  me. 

Hastily  dressing  I  left  my  chamber  and  the  next 


THE   PASSING   OF  A   SENTINEL.          147 

moment  stood  by  the  bedside  of  the  Americans. 
My  footsteps  awakened  them,  and  the  gruff  voice 
of  the  Carolinian  demanded  the  reason,  while  strik 
ing  a  light.  They  started  in  alarm  on  seeing  me 
fully  dressed. 

"  Sirs,"  said  I  quickly,  "  my  apprehension  may 
prove  an  idle  dream  and  suspicious  fancies.  I 
may  have  accepted  a  shadow  when  substance  is 
wanting,  but — 

"  What  is  it  ?  "  asked  McDowell  sharply,  "  has 
Mistress  Bourmont " 

"The  maid  is  safe,"  replied  I,  and  then  related 
what  had  occurred  while  I  watched  at  the  window, 
concluding  with  the  remark  that  at  first  I  had  re 
solved  to  go  alone  and  learn  the  meaning,  but  my 
presence  at  the  prison  might  be  misconstrued,  and 
General  Marion  disturbed  needlessly. 

The  actions  of  the  Americans  were  sufficient 
evidence  that  I  had  acted  wisely  in  bringing  the 
affair  to  them.  Before  I  had  finished  they  were 
dressed  and  stood  ready  to  leave  the  chamber. 

"Come,"  said  Clark  gravely,  "in  such  times  as 
these  fancies  may  be  important,  and  should  not  go 
unheeded.  Let  us  look  after  this  matter." 

It  took  but  a  moment  to  descend  the  stairs  and 
gain  the  entrance  to  the  tavern.  Perceiving  some 
thing  was  astir  those  below  left  their  ale  glasses, 
and  when,  led  by  Clark,  we  stepped  outside,  our 
party  was  increased  to  six  or  seven. 

Giving  the  curious  ones  no  time  for  questioning 
the  cause  of  this  midnight  venture,  the  ranger  led 
the  way  straight  to  the  prison,  unchallenged  by 
him  who  should  have  gi  irded  it. 

"  The  door  is  fastened,"  whispered  he,  "  let  us 
examine  the  rear  and  find  the  reason  of  the  sen 
tinel's  silence." 


148  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

The  next  moment  he  uttered  an  exclamation,  and 
we,  who  were  close  behind,  saw  him  stoop  over  in 
an  excited  manner.  McDowell  hastened  to  his 
side  and  together  they  lifted  to  a  sitting  posture  the 
limp  body  of  a  man  ;  it  was  the  sentinel  made  un 
conscious  by  a  blow  upon  the  temple. 

Only  a  glance  was  required  to  solve  the  mystery. 
Opposite  the  spot  where  the  unfortunate  soldier 
lay,  and  close  to  the  slanting  roof  of  the  prison,  a 
boarded  window,  scarce  large  enough  to  admit 
the  passage  of  a  man's  body,  had  been  forced  open. 
By  means  of  this  aperture  the  prisoners  had  effected 
an  escape  to  the  ground,  when,  detected  by  the 
sentinel,  they  took  advantage  of  his  momentary  sur 
prise  to  deal  the  blow  which  rendered  him  power 
less,  and  made  possible  their  flight. 

A  cry  of  anger  and  astonishment  arose  from 
those  who  crowded  about  us,  and  a  dozen  eyes 
sought  to  pierce  the  darkness  which  covered  as  by 
a  screen  the  open  meadow  across  which  the  prisoners 
had  taken  their  way.  My  companions  laid  the  un 
conscious  form  upon  the  ground. 

"  He  is  dying,"  said  Clark  briefly,  "  the  blow  has 
crushed  his  temple  ;  it  is  for  us  to  follow  those  who 
have  murdered  him." 

The  words  aroused  the  Americans  to  action. 
While  some  hastened  to  convey  the  dying  sentinel 
to  the  tavern,  others  raised  an  alarm  through  the 
village,  awakening  those  who  slept,  and  making 
known  to  them  that  the  Tories  had  gained  their 
liberty.  Thus  it  was  General  Marion  found  ready 
to  hand  a  band  of  determined  men,  armed  and  eager 
to  pursue  Brooks  and  his  companion.  It  was  hardly 
five  minutes  after  the  commander's  knowledge  of  the 
unfortunate  event,  when  a  dozen  parties  set  out  upon 
their  errand  ;  some  across  the  meadow,  others  along 


ONE    OF    THE    DRAGOONS   DISCHARGED    HIS    RIFLE.  P.     149. 


THE    PASSING    OF   A   SENTINEL.  149 

the  road,  while  a  detail  of  mounted  volunteers,  fol 
lowed  a  wide  circle,  hoping  to  intercept  the  prisoners 
when  they  emerged  from  the  swamps  beyond  the 
open  country. 

Nothing  happened  during  the  remaining  hours  of 
the  night ;  worn  out  with  sleeplessness,  I  again 
sought  my  chamber,  and  was  awakened  by  the 
voice  of  Clark  some  hours  after  sunrise. 

From  him  I  learned  that  the  searching  parties 
had  returned,  having  but  half  accomplished  their 
errand.  Aided  by  the  darkness  the  prisoners 
reached  the  swamps  and  wooded  land,  baffling  their 
pursuers.  Those  on  foot  returned  empty-handed. 
The  mounted  men  were  more  successful.  Having 
skirted  the  swamps,  they  came  at  daybreak  to  the 
further  side,  where  a  broad  strip  of  open  country 
separated  the  marsh-land  from  an  adjoining  forest. 
There  they  came  upon  Major  Brooks's  companion, 
who,  having  fallen  into  a  depression,  was  sorely  in 
jured.  Though  his  leg  was  broken,  and  his  strength 
exhausted  by  having  dragged  himself  through  the 
swamp  and  across  the  strip  of  meadow,  one  among 
the  riders,  more  merciless  than  his  companions,  dis 
charged  his  rifle,  and  the  ball  piercing  the  Tory's 
body  saved  him  from  further  vengeance  on  part  of 
the  Americans. 

So  the  lesser  of  the  culprits  paid  the  penalty  of 
his  treachery  with  his  life,  but  Major  Brooks  escaped, 
nor  could  any  trace  of  him  be  found,  either  in  the 
swamps  or  forest  beyond.  Further  pursuit  was 
abandoned.  The  morning  being  well  advanced 
General  Marion  soon  started  on  his  journey  in  com 
pany  with  the  dragoon.  Mistress  Bourmont  waited 
but  to  say  farewell  before  setting  out  for  Chester, 
while  I  should  have  been  on  my  separate  and  lonely 
way  much  earlier. 


I$0  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

AT  CHARLOTTE. 

CHARLOTTE,  a  village  of  thirty  or  forty  houses, 
lay  twenty  miles  north  of  the  line  which  separates 
the  Carolinas.  Occupied  by  Lord  Cornwallis  and 
his  army,  the  neighboring  country  was  filled  with 
British  soldiers,  Tories  and  royal  partisans.  It  was 
among  those  my  errand  led  me. 

Clark  had  accompanied  me  almost  to  the  scat 
tered  range  of  hills  which  marked  the  district,  then 
prudence,  and  my  urgent  request  that  he  would  no 
further  expose  himself,  gained  an  unwilling  assent 
that  I  should  continue  on  my  way  without  him. 
Sitting  motionless  in  his  saddle,  he  watched  until  a 
turn  in  the  road  hid  jne  from  sight,  then  started 
back  on  his  way  to  Chester. 

I  had  gone  perhaps  a  dozen  furlongs  in  the  direc 
tion  of  Charlotte,  when  I  saw  a  score  or  more  horse 
men  riding  toward  me  at  a  rapid  trot.  Their 
equipments  showed  them  to  be  English.  On  per 
ceiving  me  they  checked  their  speed.  They  were 
in  strong  contrast  to  the  Americans  of  the  region. 
Their  scarlet  uniforms,  burnished  buckles  and  per 
fect  arms,  together  with  haughty  mien  and  soldier 
like  carriage,  stamped  them  as  regulars  ;  a  part  of 
that  intrepid  body  of  dragoons  which  formed  the 
flower  of  Lord  Cornwallis's  army. 

With  little  disquietude,  and  a  degree  of  satisfac 
tion,  I  awaited  their  approach,  for,  being  soldiers  of 


AT   CHARLOTTE.  !$! 

Europe  and  not  of  the  Tories,  I  felt  assured  of  per 
sonal  safety,  and  of  receiving  some  show  of  courtesy. 

As  they  drew  near  the  leader  advanced  a  few 
paces,  stopped,  looked  at  me  with  some  curiosity 
and  said  :  "  Sir,  who  are  you  and  whither  bound? 
you  evidently  are  not  of  the  rebel  yeomanry." 

I  replied  shortly,  that  I  wished  to  hold  speech  with 
Lord  Cornwallis  on  a  matter  of  personal  importance. 

The  dragoon  raised  his  brows.  ''  You  are  a 
Frenchman,"  said  he  sharply,  "  and  from  the  south 
country  where  are  gathered  the  rebels  who  have  so 
far  escaped  us.  I  make  you,  therefore,  a  prisoner." 

"  I  will  accompany  you  willingly,"  I  replied  ;  "  it 
is  my  desire  to  answer  such  questions  as  his  lord 
ship  may  see  fit  to  ask.  My  errand  is  a  peaceful 
one  ;  to  learn  something  concerning  certain  of  my 
countrymen,  who  are  now  confined  in  Charlotte." 

"  What  your  errand  may  be,"  said  he,  "  concerns 
me  little,  and  will  be  attended  to  by  others.  My 
duty  ends  here."  He  then  directed  two  of  his 
dragoons  to  return  to  Charlotte  and  deliver  me  to 
the  proper  authorities  at  headquarters,  then  to  re 
join  the  party,  whose  purpose  I  surmised  was  to 
scour  the  outlying  district  toward  the  south.  As 
we  were  to  part  he  offered  a  slight  apology,  saying 
duty  compelled  severity  even  to  gentlemen  and 
strangers,  then  ordered  his  men  into  line  and,  touch 
ing  his  horse's  flank  lightly  with  the  spur,  continued 
on  his  way  to  the  accompaniment  of  hoof-beat  and 
rattling  saber. 

I  could  but  smile,  as,  falling  in  between  the  two 
red-coated  cavalrymen,  I  put  my  animal  once  more 
into  motion.  My  entrances  into  each  of  the  con 
tending  armies  in  America  were  under  an  armed 
and  watchful  escort.  At  Tappan  the  zealous  dra 
goons  of  Major  Talmadge  had  not  allowed  me  to  pass 


152  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

into  the  lines  unnoticed,  and  now  I  was  not  lacking 
convoy  to  the  quarters  of  the  English  commander. 

I  had  fallen  in  with  the  horsemen  near  the  out 
skirts  of  the  town,  so  the  distance  was  soon  covered. 
As  when  approaching  the  American  camp,  I  per 
ceived  numerous  bodies  of  troops ;  red-coated 
soldiery,  a  company  of  stalwart  Hessians  encamped 
by  the  roadside,  Tory  partisans,  teamsters,  and  a 
crowd  of  camp-followers.  Many  looked  at  me  with 
curiosity  as  we  passed,  and  had  I  been  alone  I  war 
rant  I  should  have  been  accorded  a  rude  welcome. 
While  appreciating  the  exigency  in  which  I  found 
myself,  I  noticed  a  spirit  of  disquietude  prevailed 
among  the  soldiers  scattered  along  the  road ;  an 
expectancy  which  I  could  not  account  for,  as  the 
Americans  were  widely  scattered,  and  the  district 
given  over  to  the  King's  troops,  with  small  proba 
bility  that  any  would  dispute  their  possession.  In 
the  town  this  circumstance  was  more  noticeable. 
Many  were  occupied  in  the  loading  of  carts  and 
wagons,  a  park  of  artillery  stood  ready  for  the  horses, 
and  numerous  officers  hurried  hither  and  thither, 
directing,  and  giving  orders. 

Our  arrival  before  a  house  more  imposing  in 
appearance  than  the  others  which  composed  the 
town,  interrupted  my  thoughts.  A  sentry,  who 
paced  stiffly  before  the  entrance,  demanded  of  my 
guards  their  errand ;  upon  receiving  a  reply  he 
summoned  a  grizzled  sergeant,  who  in  turn  ques 
tioned  them. 

"  His  lordship  is  in  consultation  with  Colonel 
Tarleton  and  others,"  said  he  gruffly,  "  but  your 
coming  will  be  announced."  Then,  in  an  aside 
and  with  a  gesture  of  some  meaning :  "  His 
temper  is  scarce  fitted  for  over-indulgence  toward 
those  who  are  not  loyal  to  his  Majesty." 


AT   CHARLOTTE.  153 

Having  thus  delivered  himself,  he  disappeared, 
soon  returning  followed  by  an  orderly  who  examined 
me  with  much  interest. 

"Sir,"  said  he,  "your  wishes  can  now  be  made 
known  to  his  lordship  ;  he  is  at  liberty.  Your 
name — that  I  may  announce  it. " 

"  M.  de  Marc,"  replied  I,  dismounting  from  my 
horse;  "it  is  concerning  a  personal  matter,  regard 
ing  prisoners,  about  which  I  would  trespass  upon 
his  lordship's  courtesy." 

The  orderly  vanished,  and  for  some  moments  I 
was  left  to  consider  my  surroundings,  the  long 
street  flanked  by  its  fringe  of  houses,  the  moving 
throng  of  soldiers  and  civilians,  each  hastening  upon 
their  several  errands,  though  some  pausing  as  they 
noted  a  stranger. 

The  day  was  far  spent  as  I  entered  the  English 
lines,  and  when  the  orderly  returned  and  bade  me 
follow  him  into  Lord  Cornwallis's  presence,  the  first 
shades  of  evening  touched  the  landscape. 

In  a  moment  I  had  crossed  the  broad  hall,  then, 
obeying  my  guide's  gesture,  entered  a  room  situated 
at  the  further  end  and  found  myself  in  the  presence 
of  the  victor  of  Camden. 

A  pair  of  candles  burned  upon  a  table  littered 
with  maps,  papers,  several  bottles,  and  half  a  dozen 
wine-glasses.  A  man  dressed  in  the  full  uniform 
of  a  British  general,  but  without  sword  or  boots, 
stood  in  a  careless  attitude  beside  the  open 
window.  A  second,  younger,  booted  and  spurred, 
lounged  beside  the  table,  his  fingers  toying  idly  with 
a  half-filled  glass  which  he  was  contemplating  with 
much  Apparent  earnestness.  As  I  entered,  each 
fixed  his  gaze  upon  me,  the  elder  haughtily,  his  com 
panion  curiously,  and  with  a  half-sneering  smile. 

For  a  moment  1  hesitated  ;  upon  those  two  men, 


154  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

perhaps,  depended  the  success  of  my  mission  to 
America,  and  even  liberty.  Then,  seeing  that 
Cornwallis — for  such  I  judged  the  elder  to  be — 
waited,  I  bowed  politely,  acknowledging  the  honor 
in  being  granted  an  audience  with  him.  At  my 
words  some  of  the  stiffness  disappeared  from  his 
manner,  for  he  saw  I  lacked  nothing  of  the  cour- 
teousness  to  which  he  was  accustomed,  when,  per 
haps  he  had  thought  to  meet  a  rustic. 

"I  have  been  told,"  said  he,  "that  you  are  M. 
de  Marc,  a  Frenchman,  whose  presence  within  our 
lines  is  due  to  a  desire  to  treat  concerning  certain 
prisoners.  What  is  your  errand  ?  " 

"  Sir,"  replied  I,  "  I  have  heard  that  one  of  my 
countrymen,  the  Vicomte  le  Mans,  is  now  in  Char 
lotte.  Entrusted  with  a  message  by  the  Count,  his 
father,  I  hastened  to  America  to  make  it  known  to 
him." 

"  And  this  message  ? "  asked  Cornwallis,  "  it 
must  indeed  be  imperative,  that  a  Frenchman 
should  enter  thus  unceremoniously  the  presence  of 
an  English  officer.  At  Newport,  M.  de  Marc,  or 
on  the  upper  Hudson  are  to  be  found  many  of  your 
countrymen. " 

"  My  purpose  in  coming  to  the  Colonies  was  a 
peaceful  one,"  I  replied ;  "  hearing  the  Vicomte  le 
Mans  was  in  the  south,  I  had  little  interest  in 
Newport ; "  and  I  repeated  the  substance  of  my 
mission. 

A  smile  crossed  the  face  of  his  lordship.  "  What 
think  you  of  it,  Tarleton  ? ''  cried  he,  "  our  French 
man  is  then  a  runaway  !  "  Then  to  me  :  "  Your 
explanation  is,  indeed,  most  plain,  sir,  and  your 
zeal  commendable  ;  having  delivered  the  Count  le 
Mans's  message,  will  the  Vicomte  return  to  France  ?  " 

"  He  was  ever  accustomed  to  obey,"  replied  I, 


AT   CHARLOTTE.  155 

half  haughtily,  "  and  to  his  father's  wish  is  added 
the  King's  command." 

"  Faith  !  "  cried  Tarleton,  fixing  his  black  eyes 
upon  me,  "you  take  much  for  granted,  sir,  but  I 
like  your  spirit.  If  his  lordship  were  to  make  of 
you  a  prisoner  ;  what  then  ?  " 

Had  I  nervously  betrayed  fear,  I  think  the  intrepid 
leader  of  dragoons  would  scarce  have  befriended 
me,  for,  as  he  said,  a  daring  spirit  was  to  his  liking. 
I  answered  boldly  :  "  His  lordship  is  a  soldier,  and 
in  entering  your  lines  I  trusted  to  the  courtesy  of 
an  English  nobleman.  My  errand  may,  indeed,  be 
unsuccessful,  but  even  so,  Lord  Cornwallis  would 
hardly  detain  me  as  a  prisoner." 

Tarleton  struck  his  hand  upon  the  table.  "  I 
perceive,"  said  he,  "  that  I  have  not  mistaken  you." 
Then  to  the  General :  "  M.  de  Marc's  request  is 
reasonable  ;  if  it  is  your  lordship's  pleasure,  I  would 
share  with  him  my  quarters  while  he  remains  among 
us." 

A  look  of  doubt  crossed  the  face  of  the  other. 
It  was  plain  he  hesitated,  for  after  all,  I  might  be  a 
spy  who  cleverly  sought  to  blind  him.  Tarleton, 
on  the  other  hand,  with  the  reckless  impetuosity 
which  characterized  him,  dismissed  from  his  mind 
all  suspicion  ;  nor  was  his  confidence  misplaced. 
It  was  indeed  my  purpose,  having  accomplished 
the  imposed  errand,  to  espouse  the  cause  of  the 
Colonies  ;  but  none  should  be  the  wiser  on  account 
of  my  entering  the  English  lines.  I  had  no  thought 
or  desire  to  reveal  anything  which  I  might  learn  to 
the  Americans,  nor  did  I  think  that  General  Marion 
or  my  companions  would  wish  me  to  betray  a  con 
fidence,  if  Cornwallis  allowed  me  to  return. 

For  a  moment  his  lordship  remained  silent,  seem 
ing  to  consider  the  explanation  I  had  given. 


156      A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

"Far  be  it  from  me,"  said  he,  at 'length,  "to 
question  the  word  of  a  French  courtier,  and  a 
gentleman.  I  will  so  far  return  your  confidence  in 
my  courtesy,  as  to  permit  you  to  see  the  prisoner, 
the  Vicomte  le  Mans  being  in  truth  in  Charlotte." 

Tarleton  interrupted  my  words  of  gratitude  : 

"  And  M.  de  Marc  will  on  his  part  pledge  his 
word  to  your  lordship  that  he  shall  in  nowise  betray 
your  trust."  This  he  said  with  so  frank  a  smile 
that  I  comprehended  he  but  wished  to  influence  the 
other  in  my  behalf. 

"  But,"  continued  Cornwallis  as  though  unmind 
ful  of  the  interruption,  "  Colonel  Tarleton  will  be 
present  at  the  interview  ;  prudence,  and  my  duty 
as  a  commander,  will  not  permit  greater  latitude." 

I  could  but  acknowledge  the  restriction  upon  my 
movements  as  reasonable,  the  more  so  that  Colonel 
Tarleton  was  inclined  to  receive  me  with  friendli 
ness,  and  had  already  offered  to  act  as  host  dur 
ing  my  stay  in  Charlotte.  I  had  been  told  that 
this  same  colonel  of  dragoons  was  hated  by  the 
Americans,  a  relentless  foe  who  swept  aside  all  who 
opposed  him,  and  dealt  sternly  with  such  as  fell 
into  his  power.  Be  that  as  it  might,  to  me  he 
seemed  a  true  soldier  and  a  gentleman,  a  man  of 
frankness  and  affability. 

"I  have  met  many  of  your  countrymen,"  said  he, 
"  and  in  several  instances  they  have  befriended  me. 
England  and  France  are  now  at  war  through  the 
malevolence  of  certain  statesmen  ;  had  I  met  you 
on  the  field  it  would  have  been  an  honor  to  measure 
swords,  but  now " 

He  filled  a  glass  with  wine  and  extended  it  to 
me,  at  the  same  time  raising  his  own.  "  Wjth  his 
lordship's  permission,  to  your  health,  sir,"  said  he. 
and  drained  the  glass. 


A   COLONEL   OF    DRAGOONS.  1 57 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

A  COLONEL  OF  DRAGOONS. 

THE  day  had  waned  and  night  fallen  when  Col 
onel  Tarleton  led  the  way  from  Lord  Cornwallis's 
presence  to  his  o\vn  quarters,  bidding  me  a  welcome 
to  his  hospitality.  I  learned  from  him  the  meaning  of 
the  subdued  excitement  which  pervaded  the  town. 
It  was  the  purpose  of  the  commander  to  abandon 
his  position  in  North  Carolina  and  at  once  return  to 
the  southern  province.  This  movement,  I  surmised, 
was  rendered  expedient  by  the  unexpected  and 
mortifying  defeat  of  Furgeson's  command  at  King's 
Mountain.  It  was  evident  that  Lord  Cornwall's 
feared  for  the  safety  of  the  lower  country  which  he 
had  gained  for  the  British  Crown  through  the  battle 
at  Camden.  About  this,  however,  Tarleton  spoke 
nothing.  He  remarked  that  his  lordship  was  ill  at 
ease,  but  attributed  it,  in  part,  to  an  attack  of  fever 
from  which  the  General  was  suffering,  contracted 
amid  the  swamps  of  the  lower  country. 

Of  the  Americans  he  made  light,  but  acknowl 
edged  that  the  victory  over  the  British  at  King's 
Mountain  had  called  forth  much  bravery  on  the 
part  of  the  enemy. 

'•  Furgeson  was  ill  advised."  said  he,  "  and  of 
fered  ample  opportunity  for  the  misfortune  which 
overtook  him.  Had  the  battle  been  fought  in  an 
open  country,  where  was  no  shelter  for  the  rebels 
behind  rocks  and  trees,  the  result  would  have  been 
quite  different. " 


158  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

"  If  it  is  the  purpose  of  his  lordship  to  return  to 
Camden,"  I  ventured,  "  I  am  most  fortunate  in  reach 
ing  Charlotte  before  the  removal  of  the  prisoners." 

Tarleton  uttered  an  exclamation.  "  Faith," 
cried  he,  "  your  reminder  is  most  delicate  ;  I  have 
detained  you  unnecessarily,  and  I  can  understand 
you  are  impatient  to  see  the  Vicomte.  The  house 
in  which  he  is  confined  with  a  dozen  others  is  at  the 
further  end  of  the  town.  We  will  go  there  without 
more  delay." 

Suiting  action  to  his  words,  he  summoned  an 
orderly  and  commanded  him  to  accompany  us  ;  then, 
buckling  on  his  side-arms,  preceded  me  to  the  street, 
the  man  bringing  up  the  rear  of  our  little  party. 

The  quarters  in  which  were  confined  those  whom 
Lord  Cornwallis  wished  to  treat  with  some  show  of 
courtesy  was  five  minutes'  walk  from  Tarleton's 
headquarters,  and  as  we  passed  over  the  way  I 
again  noted  the  preparations  for  departure  which 
were  being  made  on  all  sides.  The  Colonel,  seeing 
my  interest  in  the  matter,  smiled  half  grimly  and  said  : 

"  No  doubt  it  seems  strange  to  you  that  having 
conquered  the  enemy  and  earned  a  season  of  re 
pose,  our  soldiers  should  so  soon  set  forth  upon  a 
tedious  march  ;  but  the  nature  of  the  war  is  alto 
gether  different  from  every  rule  laid  down  upon  the 
continent ;  as  for  instance  the  affair  at  King's 
Mountain.  Countrymen  and  yokels  by  the  scores, 
quite  harmless  when  separated,  but  suddenly  con 
centrating,  united  into  an  army  of  such  dimensions, 
that,  falling  upon  a  portion  of  our  troops,  a  move 
ment  on  the  part  of  his  lordship  was  necessary. 
No  sooner  were  we  in  the  field  than  their  legions 
scattered,  seeking  mountain  retreats  and  swamps 
where  none  could  find  them.  They  remind  me  of  a 
multitude  of  flies,  such  perhaps  as  you  have  seen 


A  COLONEL   OF    DRAGOONS.  159 

M.  de  Marc,  when  riding  through  a  country  district. 
Your  horse  is  beset  by  them  ;  at  the  first  opposition 
they  flee,  and  though  a  few  be  slain,  the  swarm  is 
sure  to  return  and  buzz  with  persistence  and  vicious- 
ness  about  your  ears.  So  it  is  with  these  Americans." 

He  spoke  somewhat  bitterly,  and  I  saw  his  rest 
less  spirit  chafed  at  the  turn  affairs  had  taken.  In 
the  open  fields  his  dragoons  swept  aside  the  poorly 
armed  and  undisciplined  forces  of  the  enemy,  but 
no  sooner  were  they  dispersed,  than  the  mountain 
fastnesses  poured  out  others  to  mock  his  victory. 

"  There  is  one,"  continued  he,  "  whose  cunning 
is  a  thorn  in  the  side  of  the  commander.  If 
Marion  was  taken  these  rebels  would  lose  their  most 
intrepid  leader." 

"  Then,"  said  I,  "  you  have  contended  against 
him." 

"  That  I  have,"  he  replied,  "  and  the  very  foxes 
which  haunt  these  hills  are  not  more  elusive.  To 
day  a  hundred  men  will  follow  him  ;  to-morrow  a 
paltry  dozen.  It  is  like  hunting  ghosts,  sir,  who 
vanish  when  one  measures  to  strike." 

I  said  :  "  I  met  the  man,  during  my  journey  here." 

Tarleton  raised  his  brows.  "  I  have  heard," 
said  he,  "  that  this  '  Swamp  Fox '  is  possessed  of  much 
courage  and  spirit ;  some  of  our  men  who  have 
fallen  into  his  hands  speak  well  of  him." 

"  He  is  both  a  soldier  and  a  gentleman,"  replied 
I,  warmly.  "  Learning  of  my  errand  he  offered  as 
sistance." 

The  dragoon  looked  at  me  searchingly.  "  It 
would  be  well,"  said  he  "  that  Lord  Cornwallis  knows 
little  of  your  dealings  with  these  rebels.  This  same 
Marion  has  annoyed  him  greatly,  but — I  thank  you 
for  your  confidence." 

We  had  arrived  at  the  door  of  the  prison,   and 


l6o  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

Tarleton,  replying  to  the  sentry's  salute,  motioned 
me  to  enter.  An  officer  met  us  in  the  hall. 

"  Sir,"  said  the  Colonel  sharply,  "  we  would  see 
the  Vicomte  le  Mans ;  will  you  lead  us  to  him  ? 
— or  rather,  as  he  is  with  others,  and  our  interview 
must  be  private,  we  will  wait  for  him  in  your  quar 
ters." 

Somewhat  surprised  that  one  who  stood  next  his 
lordship  in  authority  should  seek  out  a  prisoner, 
the  officer  threw  open  the  door  of  a  small  room  set 
aside  for  his  own  accommodation. 

"  Send  him  here,"  said  Tarleton  shortly,  *'  and 
see  that  none  disturb  us.'' 

When  the  other  was  gone,  he  motioned  me  to  be 
seated. 

"  Sir,"  said  he,  "  speak  freely  to  the  Vicomte  as 
though  you  were  alone."  He  turned  to  the  window 
and  drummed  carelessly  upon  the  pane,  humming 
to  himself  meanwhile.  His  short,  stout  figure  set 
off  by  its  scarlet  uniform  would  be  the  first  object  to 
meet  the  eye  of  one  entering  the  room. 

A  strange  nervousness  seized  me.  Would  indeed 
the  Vicomte  enter,  or  a  stranger  ?  What  assurance 
had  I  that  it  was  my  friend  who  was  held  here  a 
prisoner  by  Cornwallis  and  Colonel  Tarleton  ?  His 
sudden  and  inexplicable  friendliness  toward  me  ; 
did  it  bode  evil,  or  was  he  sincere  ?  The  sound  of 
footsteps  in  the  hall  interrupted  my  rapid  thoughts. 
A  man  crossed  the  threshold  and  paused  irresolutely, 
his  eyes  fixed  upon  the  scarlet-clad  figure  standing 
by  the  window.  Tarleton  turned. 

"The  Vicomte  le  Mans!"  said  he  sharply, 
"you  will  approach,  sir." 

Hidden  by  the  open  door  I  leaned  forward  anx 
iously,  and  my  heart  bounded  as  I  saw  that  it  was 
indeed  Edouard  who  stood  before  me.  On  his 


A   COLONEL   OF    DRAGOONS.  l6l 

face  was  a  haughty  look,  and  his  eyes  met  fully 
those  of  the  British  officer. 

"  Sir,"  said  he,  speaking  in  broken  English,  "you 
have  sent  for  me ;  does  Lord  Cornwallis — 

"  M.  de  Marc,"  said  Tarleton  in  excellent  French, 
"  it  may  perhaps  facilitate  this  interview  if  you  will 
address  your  countryman."  He  fixed  his  eyes 
searchingly  upon  the  Vicomte's  face  as  he  uttered 
my  name. 

If  any  suspicion  had  entered  his  mind  that  I  was 
playing  a  part,  and  the  prisoner  was  other  than  I 
represented,  the  Vicomte's  start  of  surprise  and  his 
expression  of  incredulity  dispelled  it.  Half  turn 
ing,  he  perceived  me,  and  crying  "  Henri,"  threw 
himself  into  my  arms,  nor  did  the  presence  of  Tarle 
ton  check  the  warmth  of  my  greeting.  For  an 
instant  a  smile  flashed  across  his  features.  "  To 
business,  gentlemen,"  said  he,  and  turned  again  to 
the  window. 

For  some  moments  the  Vicomte's  amazement  and 
delight  at  my  unexpected  presence  prevented  the 
words  which  hovered  upon  my  lips.  He  overwhelmed 
me  with  a  torrent  of  questions — of  France,  his 
father,  and  what  I  did  in  America.  Fearful  lest  he 
should  speak  too  freely  in  the  presence  of  a  British 
officer,  I  checked  him. 

"  I  am  here,"  said  I,  "  through  the  courtesy  of 
Lord  Cornwallis,  and  the  kindness  of  Colonel  Tarle 
ton.  I  came  from  your  father  and  the  King — 

"  Then  you  are  not  a  prisoner  ?  "  cried  he,  "  I 
thought — 

"  I  have  been  much  perplexed  to  find  you,"  replied 
I,  "  and  the  King's  command  is  imperative,  you — 

"  The  King  ?  "  cried  he. 

"  You  have  poorly  repaid  his  kindness,"  I  con 
tinued,  "and  an  old  man,  your  father,  is  cast  into 
1 1 


l62  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

despair  and  sorrow  through  the  rashness  of  his  son  ; 
while  I ' 

He  gazed  upon  me  in  astonishment,  then  bowed 
his  head  in  a  depressed  manner,  and  turned  away, 
half  in  anger. 

"  Did  you  follow  to  censure  and  admonish  ?  " 
asked  he  sullenly ;  "  it  was  not  so  when  Lafay 
ette ' 

I  glanced  apprehensively  at  the  figure  by  the  win 
dow,  but  Tarleton  apparently  paid  no  attention  to 
our  dialogue.  Impatient  that  he,  only  a  boy.  should 
speak  thus,  I  replied  with  some  spirit :  "  I  have 
scarce  journeyed  from  France  and  sought  for  you 
throughout  the  Colonies  to  now  pass  only  idle  words. 
Much  distressed  in  mind,  your  father  summoned  me 
to  the  King's  cabinet,  beseeching  that  I  hasten  after/ 
and  bid  you  return  to  France."  I  repeated  my  in 
terview  with  the  Count  le  Mans  and  with  his  Majesty. 

In  a  moment  theVicomte's  mood  changed  ;  he  ap 
proached  and  spoke  tenderly.  "Ah,  Henri!  I  did 
not  think  my  father  would  be  so  troubled  over  the 
absence  of  his  wayward  son.  France  has  taken  up 
the  sword  against  England,  and  was  it  not  always 
the  motto  of  our  house  to  be  among  the  first  to  un- 
sheath  a  blade? " 

"But  you  know,"  said  I,  "the  Count  le  Mans  has 
little  sympathy  with  this  struggle ;  had  France 
called  forth  your  sword  there  had  been  reason  for  it." 

I  spoke  thus  because  resolved  upon  a  favorable 
termination  to  my  mission,  and  wishing  that  the  youth, 
now  a  prisoner,  should  be  induced  to  return  to  Paris. 
As  to  my  own  heart,  it  did  not  respond  to  the  words, 
and  with  quick  intuition  Edouard  perceived  it. 

"  France  has  espoused  the  cause  of  the  Colonies," 
replied  he;  "the  lilies  wave  above  Newport ;  La 
fayette " 


A  COLONEL   OF   DRAGOONS.  163 

Tarleton  turned  quickly.  "  Young  sir,"  quoth  he 
sternly,  "  certain  of  your  countrymen  have,  indeed, 
sought  to  wrest  from  England  that  which  is  her  own. 
Perchance  the  thought  of  the  Plains  of  Abraham, 
and  Canada,  lost  forever  to  your  King,  may  rankle 
in  their  memories." 

The  hot  blood  rushed  to  my  face,  for  his  words 
were  an  affront  to  France.  Perceiving  that  I  re 
sented  them  his  manner  changed  to  one  of  grave 
courtesy.  "  It  was  the  Briton  who  spoke,  and  not 
the  host,"  said  he  ;  "  the  assertions  of  this  boy  are 
ill-placed."  Then,  to  the  Vicomte :  "  What  would 
you,  sir  ?  M.  de  Marc  has  come  hither  to  offer  a 
return  to  France  ;  will  you  avail  yourself  of  it,  and 
meddle  no  more  in  the  affairs  of  England?  Youth 
ful  rashness  is  soon  cured." 

For  a  moment  Edouard  hesitated  ;  he  was  a  pris 
oner,  and  the  other's  words  opened  a  way  to  free 
dom  ;  beside,  he  had  not  as  yet  openly  taken  up  the 
cause  of  the  patriots.  I  remained  silent,  awaiting 
anxiously  his  answer  ;  perhaps  he  saw  in  my  eyes  an 
expectancy  that  the  spirit  of  his  race  would  assert 
itself,  and  it  turned  the  scale. 

"  Sir,"  replied  he  haughtily,  facing  the  British  col 
onel  of  dragoons,  "  J  am  a  prisoner,  and  in  your 
power.  The  reason  for  my  setting  foot  in  America 
you  well  know  ;  De  Marc  has  told  you.  I  cannot 
see  why  I  should  change  my  resolution." 

A  flash  of  admiration  shone  in  Tarleton's  eyes, 
but  his  voice  was  cold  as  steel  as  he  replied  : 
"There  will  be  due  caution  taken,  sir,  that  you 
trouble  England  little."  Then,  raising  his  voice,  he 
summoned  the  commander  of  the  prison.  "  The 
interview  is  finished,"  said  he,  "guard  this  French 
man  well,  'tis  the  order  of  his  lordship." 

"But,  sir,"  cried  I,  "another  word;  I  would " 


164  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

"Enough,"  replied  he  coldly,  and  motioned  to 
the  officer  to  conduct  the  Viconite  to  his  chamber. 

"  Now,"  said  he,  when  we  were  once  more  alone, 
"  your  mission  is  ended,  nor  can  your  King  hold  you 
responsible  for  its  failure." 

I  was  filled  with  anxiety  for  the  Vicomte's  safety, 
but  my  heart  swelled  at  the  brave  words  he  had  ut 
tered  to  one  who  was  noted  for  his  harshness  to  an 
enemy.  If  Tarleton  shared  my  admiration  it  was 
concealed  ;  with  clouded  brow  he  led  the  way  from 
the  building. 

The  scene  about  the  prison  had  become  more 
animated.  Some  soldiers  were  giving  light  with 
torches,  some  running  in  different  directions  carrying 
bags  and  bundles,  loading  them  into  carts  and 
wagons,  others  leading  horses  from  their  stables, 
and  a  score  of  cattle  were  being  driven  from  their 
stalls. 

The  gleam  of  the  torches  shone  on  the  face  of  my 
companion  showing  the  frown  still  upon  his  brow, 
and  he  spoke  sharply  to  an  officer  who  passed,  lead 
ing  a  saddled  horse — the  favorite  charger  of  Lord 
Cornwallis. 

The  words  of  two  passing  soldiers  who  carried 
between  them  a  heavy  parcel  reached  my  ears. 

"  Are  the  Americans  forming  for  an  attack  ?  " 
asked  one,  "  or  why  this  tumult  ?  " 

"I  know  nothing,"  replied  the  other,  "but  we  are 
to  march  before  sunrise  ;  his  lordship  has  ordered 
all  to  be  in  readiness." 

Tarleton  turned  to  me  impatiently.  "  Come," 
said  he,  "  we  are  expected  at  headquarters." 

Turning  to  accompany  him,  I  met  face  to  face  a 
man  who  was  hurrying  by — Major  Brooks,  of  the 
Red  House  tavern. 


THE   SURRENDERING   OF   A    SWORD.        165 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

THE  SURRENDERING    OF  A    SWORD. 

IT  was  a  mutual  recognition  ;  and  of  the  two  I  was 
the  least  surprised.  It  flashed  across  me  that  the 
Major's  presence  within  the  British  lines  was  a  nat 
ural  sequence  to  his  escape  from  Chester,  and  I  won 
dered  1  had  not  thought  of  the  probability  of  meet 
ing  him. 

But  on  his  part  my  appearance  came  as  an  as 
tounding  surprise.  With  amazement  written  on 
every  line  of  his  face,  he  stopped,  stood  still,  and 
gazed  up  at  me. 

Tarleton,  quick  to  note  that  which  transpired 
about  him,  looked  at  the  fellow  sharply,  for,  being 
clad  in  civilian  garb,  the  Major  was  to  him  but  one 
of  the  many  Tories,  or  lukewarm  patriots,  who 
thronged  the  town.  The  persistency  of  the  other's 
gaze  irritated  him. 

"  Come,  sir,"  cried  he,  "  move  on  !  or  if  you  have 
any  business  with  this  gentleman  or  myself,  state  it 
quickly  and  rid  us  of  your  presence." 

Seeing  that  the  speaker  was  a  British  officer,  and 
evidently  one  in  authority,  the  Major's  face  assumed 
a  humble  look.  There  seemed  nothing  in  this  man 
to  warrant  any  feeling  except  contempt.  Constant 
transitions  from  bad  to  worse  ;  one  time  renegade, 
then  traitor,  ruffian  and  murderer,  and  now  cringing 
for  favor  at  the  feet  of  a  British  colonel  of  dragoons. 
Perhaps  he  read  the  scorn  in  my  eyes,  and  it  drove 
him  to  sudden  boldness. 


1 66  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

"  Sir,"  replied  he,  advancing  a  step  toward  us,  "  I 
am  known  to  Lord  Cornwallis,  and " 

"  You  make  it  an  excuse  to  stare  insolently  at 
any  you  may  chance  to  meet,"  cried  Tarleton,  whose 
temper,  already  ruffled  by  the  scene  in  the  com 
mandant's  chamber,  was  rapidly  gaining  the  ascend 
ency.  "  I  will  teach  you,  sir,  to " 

"  The  Frenchman  will  perhaps  remember  me," 
replied  the  other  with  affrontery,  "  if  M.  de 
Marc " 

Tarleton  turned  upon  me  like  a  flash.  "  What 
deviltry  is  this?"  cried  he,  "do  you  know  the 
man?" 

"  As  a  ruffian  and  murderer,"  I  answered,  sur 
prised  at  the  calmness  in  my  voice,  for  1  saw  that 
from  this  conversation  great  danger  to  myself  might 
follow. 

"Sir,"  cried  Brooks,  a  malignant  hatred  shining 
in  his  eyes,  "  his  lordship  will  vouch  for  me  ;  as  to 
this  spy " 

Already  a  dozen  lookers-on  had  been  drawn 
about  us  to  learn  the  meaning  of  our  loud  words. 
Tarleton  turned  to  his  orderly  :  "  Conduct  this  fel 
low  to  my  quarters,"  said  he,  "if  he  attempts 
escape,  run  him  through  ;  I  propose  to  probe  this 
matter  to  the  bottom." 

With  a  sinking  heart  I  followed  him,  trying  to 
form  as  I  went  a  plan  of  action.  I  saw  much  cau 
tiousness  would  be  required  to  thwart  the  Major's 
design.  If,  indeed,  he  was  in  the  confidence  of 
Lord  Cornwallis,  and  I  now  strongly  suspected  him 
to  be  an  authorized  spy  in  the  pay  of  the  British,  it 
would  go  hard  with  me,  nor  could  I  look  to  Tarle 
ton  for  assistance  if  his  suspicions  were  once 
awakened. 

Reaching  his  quarters,  he  led  the  way,  Brooks 


THE   SURRENDERING   OF   A   SWORD.      167 

following,  to  the  chamber  we  had  left  earlier  in  the 
evening,  and  commanded  the  orderly  to  station 
himself  without.  Then  closing  the  door  turned  to  us. 

"  To  the  point,  sir,"  said  he,  fixing  his  eyes  upon 
Brooks's  face,  "  what  is  your  business  in  Charlotte, 
and  from  where  do  you  come  ?  " 

"  Lord  Cornwallis  can "  began  the  renegade. 

"  Lord  Cornwallis  is  not  here,"  replied  Tarleton 
sharply,  "  it  is  to  me  you  must  answer,  and  with 
despatch." 

The  Major's  hand  went  to  his  mustache,  as  for  a 
moment  he  hesitated.  An  impatient  movement  on 
the  part  of  his  interrogator  warned  him  that  the 
officer  was  fast  losing  patience. 

"Sir,"  said  he,  "his  lordship  has  done  me  the 
honor  to  make  such  use  of  my  services  as  would 
best 

"  Zounds  ! "  cried  Tarleton,  his  eyes  flashing, 
"  his  lordship,  his  lordship  ;  I  care  nothing  about 
your  services  ;  why  are  you  here  ?  " 

"  I  have  followed  this  spy  from  Chester,"  replied 
Brooks  boldly,  "  where  I  was  sent  to  discover " 

At  his  words,  spoken  with  an  intonation  of 
triumph,  the  blood  surged  to  my  head  in  an  angry 
torrent ;  passion  mastered  me  ;  I  forgot  my  posi 
tion  as  a  gentleman,  and  sprang  forward,  dealing 
the  traitor  a  stinging  blow  across  the  face,  then 
realizing  what  I  had  done,  drew  back  in  confusion. 

The  Colonel,  rendered  speechless  by  so  unex 
pected  a  development,  looked  at  me  in  amazement; 
Brooks  staggered  backward  and  raised  his  hand  to 
his  lips  from  whence  the  blood  was  trickling. 
Shame  overcame  me  that  I  had  so  easily  given  way 
to  temper. 

"  Sir,"  cried  I,  turning  to  Tarleton,  "  I  did  indeed 
forget  myself,  but  the  lie " 


l68  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

"  Enough,  sir,"  said  he  sternly,  "  anger  over 
came  prudence, "  and  he  laid  a  hand  upon  his  sword- 
hilt  thinking,  perchance,  the  other  would  resent  the 
blow.  He  did,  in  truth,  seek  his  pocket  where  was 
a  pistol,  but  the  stout  figure  of  the  officer  standing 
between  us  checked  the  impulse. 

"  You  shall  answer,''  cried  he  ;  "  neither  Marion 
or  his  hirelings  shall  protect  you." 

Calmness  returned  to  me  and  I  replied  nothing. 
Tarleton  continued:  ''You  speak  of  Marion, 
what  then  ?" 

His  eyes  never  left  my  face  as  Brooks  related  the 
meeting  in  Red  House  tavern,  my  subsequent  de 
parture  for  King's  Mountain  in  company  with  the 
Americans,  and  my  reappearance  at  the  cabin  in 
the  forest  with  General  Marion.  Of  Mistress  Bour- 
mont  he  made  no  mention,  touching  only  upon 
those  points  which  suited  his  purpose,  and  would 
condemn  me  in  the  eyes  of  a  British  officer. 

During  the  recital,  given  with  all  the  cunning  the 
man  possessed,  the  features  of  Tarleton  told  me 
nothing,  but  when  the  other  finished,  his  question 
had  the  cold  ring  of  steel. 

"  And  you,  sir  ? " 

I  saw  my  case  was  desperate,  but  with  forced 
calmness  replied,  acknowledging  my  presence  at 
Red  House  in  company  with  Clark  and  McDowell, 
related  the  coming  of  Mistress  Bourmont,  her  errand 
in  the  south,  and  the  subsequent  actions  of  Major 
Brooks. 

"  Sir,"  said  I,  "you  are  a  soldier  and  an  English 
gentleman,  and  know  it  is  not  their  purpose  to  make 
war  on  helpless  women  ;  that  is  left  to  ruffians  and 
murderers." 

"  And  King's  Mountain  ?  "  said  he  shortly. 

"  I  was  there  as  a  non-combatant,"  I  replied. 


THE    SURRENDERING    OF   A    SWORD.       169 

"  But  at  the  cabin  ?  "  asked  he  coldly. 

"  It  was  to  rescue  a  maid  beset  by  ruffians,  and 
did  not  touch  upon  the  conflict." 

'*  M.  de  Marc,"  said  he  slowly,  but  with  no  evi 
dence  of  unfriendliness  in  his  tone,  "  I  do  not 
accept  altogether  the  words  of  one  whom  you  have 
much  cause  to  consider  your  enemy.  Yet,  having 
overstepped  the  bounds  of  prudence,  your  position 
is  most  equivocal.  It  is  my  duty  to  declare  you  a 
prisoner." 

A  gleam  of  triumph  crossed  the  face  of  my  tra- 
ducer  ;  the  Colonel  turned  upon  him  : 

"  And  you,  sir,  while  I  return  thanks  on  behalf 
of  Lord  Cornwallis  for  warning  us  against  one  whose 
actions  necessitate  severity,  may  go  upon  your  way. 
Under  other  circumstances  I  should  advise  M.  de 
Marc  to  repeat  the  blow  he  gave  you,  and  to  which 
you  replied  like  a  coward  and  a  poltroon  ;  'tis  such 
as  you  who  cast  discredit  upon  the  King's  arms. 
Enough — go !  " 

The  smile  of  triumph  faded  from  the  renegade's 
eyes,  giving  place  to  a  sickly  pallor,  which  bespoke 
an  inward  wrath  he  did  not  dare  to  give  vent  to,  for, 
like  others  of  his  kind,  he  sought  to  play  the  puppet 
to  the  English  officers. 

"Your  excellency,"  he  stammered,  "if  the  vile 
lies  of  yonder  spy — 

"  Go,  sir  !  "  thundered  Tarleton,  the  ring  of  con 
tempt  in  his  voice  cutting  the  other  like  a  lash. 
"  Mistress  Bourmont  is  known  to  me  through  a 
brother  officer  now  fighting  for  the  King ;  he  may 
hold  you  to  an  accounting  for  your  insults  to  her 
if  you  escape  the  just  wrath  of  M.  de  Marc." 

The  words  astounded  me,  and  explained  in  part 
his  action.  I  had  heard  at  Bourmont  House  of  one 
among  the  British  officers  who  sought  Constance's 


I7O  A  CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

hand ;  therefore  Tarleton,  in  dealing  these  blows 
to  her  assailant,  defended  the  honor  of  a  brother  in 
arms.  Brooks  had  shot  his  arrow,  but  the  force 
of  the  bow  rebounded  upon  himself.  Perhaps  he 
felt  it  would  have  been  better  had  he  left  me  in 
peace,  nor  crossed  the  path  of  one  as  inexorable  as 
the  colonel  of  dragoons.  Abased  and  cowering 
under  the  other's  words,  he  crept  from  the  chamber 
into  the  darkness  without. 

For  a  moment  silence  pervaded  the  room,  then 
Tarleton  addressed  me  :  "  The  fellow  is  a  coward  ; 
a  poltroon  !  but  it  is  impossible  to  pass  lightly  over 
his  assertions.  As  a  soldier,  M.  de  Marc,  you  com 
prehend  my  duty,  yet " — and  a  shadow  of  regret 
was  in  his  voice — "  I  would  it  were  otherwise,  and 
that  you  might  be  permitted  to  pursue  your  way 
with  freedom.  We  march  within  the  hour,  and 
Lord  Cornwallis  must  decide  upon  this  matter." 

"  Sir,"  replied  I,  "  time  will  justify  me  ;  but  one 
request  I  make." 

"  Name  it,"  said  he,  "and  if  consistent  with  my 
duty  as  an  English  officer,  it  will  be  freely  granted." 

"  That  I  may  share  the  captivity  of  the  Vicomte." 

He  thought  for  a  moment.  "  You  have  my  per 
mission,  and  now "  his  eyes  sought  my  sword. 

With  a  feeling  more  of  sorrow  than  anger,  I 
loosed  the  buckle,  and  laid  the  blade  upon  the 
table. 

"  Colonel  Tarleton,"  said  I,  my  voice  trembling, 
despite  the  efforts  at  self-control,  "  it  has  been 
drawn  for  France  ;  if  courtesy  to  a  prisoner " 

"  I  promise  to  care  for  it,"  replied  he,  "  that,  at 
least,  is  permitted  me." 

Filled  with  conflicting  emotions,  I  watched  him 
walk  toward  the  door  and  utter  a  few  sentences  to 
those  without.  After  a  moment,  on  crossing  the 


THE  SURRENDERING   OF  A   SWORD.      I/I 

threshold,  there  were  two  grenadiers  awaiting  to 
conduct  me  to  my  place  among  the  other  prisoners. 
Turning.  I  bowed  courteously  to  Colonel  Tarleton, 
who  stood  beside  the  table,  his  hand  resting  lightly 
upon  my  father's  sword. 


1/2  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

THE    ROAD    TO    WINNSBOROUGH. 

THE  battle  of  King's  Mountain  had  been  a  heavy 
blow  to  the  English  commander.  Hastening  from 
Charlotte  under  the  cover  of  night,  his  march  bore 
more  the  aspect  of  a  retreat  than  the  advance  of  a 
victorious  army. 

Scarcely  an  hour  had  elapsed  subsequent  to  my 
departure  as  a  prisoner  from  the  quarters  of  Colonel 
Tarleton,  when  I,  with  others,  was  hurried  from  the 
prison,  closely  guarded  by  a  file  of  grenadiers. 

The  Vicomte's  surprise  upon  seeing  me  for  the 
second  time  that  night  was  extreme  ;  a  few  words 
explained  my  position  as  a  prisoner,  held  at  the 
pleasure  of  Lord  Cornwallis.  Despite  the  gravity  of 
the  situation,  Edouard  burst  into  a  laugh,  then  said  : 

"  So  this  is  the  ending  of  your  mission,  you,  who 
talked  of  drawing  the  sword  for  France  alone,  who 
frowned  at  the  name  of  Lafayette  and  sat  at  table 
with  a  British  colonel." 

His  levity  jarred  upon  me,  cast  down  as  I  was  by 
the  unfortunate  incidents  of  the  night.  Perceiving 
my  mood,  he  laid  his  hand  affectionately  upon  my 
shoulder. 

"  But  it  was  not  your  heart  that  spoke,  Henri ; 
you  too,  I  am  sure,  lean  toward  the  cause  of 
liberty." 

My  ill-temper  vanished  before  the  caress,  so 
long  it  was  since  I  had  received  one  from  him. 


THE    ROAD   TO    WINNSBOROUGH.         1/3 

"  After  accomplishing  my  mission  I  purposed 
offering  my  sword  to  General  Washington,"  said  I, 
and  then  related  what  had  befallen  since  my  ar 
rival  in  America. 

"  You  have  seen  Lafayette  and  General  Marion," 
cried  he,  "  and  been  in  battle  !  " 

"  I  thought  to  find  you  on  the  Hudson,"  said  I, 
"or  at  Newport;  what  is  the  meaning — 

"I  sought  General  Marion,"  he  answered;  "at 
his  side  was  the  life  which  most  attracted  me. 
Arriving  in  Philadelphia,  I  learned  much  concern 
ing  him,  and,  with  M.  de  Biart,  hastened  southward. " 

"To  fall  into  the  hands  of  Lord  Cornwallis," 
replied  I,  drily  ;  "  you  were  always  inclined  to  rash 
ness,  Edouard. '' 

"  Perhaps,''  said  he,  with  mock  gallantry,  "  as 
are  certain  others,  who — "  then,  carried  away  by 
his  youthful  impulses:  "but  it  was  my  fault;  to 
find  me  you  became  a  prisoner.  Forgive  me, 
Henri?" 

He  read  the  answer  in  my  eyes,  and  threw  his 
arms  about  me,  to  the  astonishment  of  half  a  dozen 
Americans  who,  unfamiliar  with  the  demonstrative 
French  manner,  watched  us  curiously. 

"  Come,"  said  I,  "  'tis  nothing  ;  but  M.  de  Biart  ?  " 

"They  separated  us,"  cried  he,  his  eyes  flashing; 
"  these  Englishmen,  who  feared  the  cunning  of  two 
Frenchmen.  He  is  in  another  room,  swearing,  I 
warrant,  as  is  his  custom. " 

The  appearance  at  the  door  of  the  commandant 
of  the  prison  precluded  further  conversation.  His 
errand  was  to  order  us  below  to  accompany  the 
army. 

This  relieved  somewhat  the  tension  of  my  nerves. 
In  a  hurried  march  Lord  Cornwallis  would  hardly 
find  opportunity  to  pass  upon  the  accusations  made 


1/4  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

against  me,  and,  though  Tarleton  had  spoken  with 
mildness,  the  fate  of  Andre,  caught  within  the 
enemy's  lines,  was  fresh  in  my  memory.  That  I 
was  free  from  all  intentions  which  constituted  a 
spy,  I  knew,  but  would  Cornwallis  dismiss  the 
suspicion  awakened  in  his  mind  by  Major  Brooks's 
recital  ? 

Outside  the  prison  all  was  confusion.  Horse 
men  rode  hither  and  thither,  striking  with  the  flat 
of  their  swords  dismounted  men,  urging  them  into 
line,  which  was  no  sooner  formed  than  the  ap 
proach  of  a  heavily-loaded  cart  threw  into  fresh  dis 
order.  The  rumble  of  cannon  dragged  over  uneven 
places,  the  cries  of  the  teamsters,  and  curses  of 
soldiers  huddled  together  in  the  road  came  to  us 
from  out  the  darkness,  rendered  more  gloomy  by 
the  flare  of  scores  of  torches  held  above  the  heads 
of  those  who  bore  them.  Edouard  shrugged  his 
shoulders. 

"  Indeed  it  seems  like  a  retreat,"  said  he,  "  an 
army  flying  before  a  phantom.  If  the  Americans 
came  suddenly  upon  this  rabble  we  should  no 
longer  be  prisoners." 

However,  discipline  rapidly  gained  the  ascendency. 
A  long  line  of  wagons  moved  off  toward  the  outskirts 
of  the  town.  Companies  and  battalions,  whipped 
into  place  by  their  officers,  filed  past  us,  their  arms 
and  buckles  gleaming  in  the  torchlight.  The  roll 
of  drums  sounded  through  the  night,  to  be  answered 
by  the  blare  of  bugles  from  Tarleton's  squadron. 
An  officer  approached  us  as  we  were  gathered  before 
the  entrance  of  the  prison. 

"Sir,"  said  he,  addressing  me,  "it  is  Colonel 
Tarleton's  command  that  you  use  the  horse  which 
brought  you  here." 

A  detail  of  grenadiers,   one  of  whom   held  the 


THE    ROAD   TO    WINXSBOROUGH.         175 

animal  by  the  bridle,  appeared  from  around 
the  corner  of  the  building.  Obedient  to  order, 
the  prisoners  formed  into  line,  flanked  on  every 
side  by  red-coated  soldiery,  and,  moving  to  the 
place  reserved  for  us,  we  were  swept  away  in  the 
human  torrent  which  rilled  the  road.  The  Vicomte 
kept  close  at  my  side,  one  hand  resting  carelessly 
upon  the  horse's  mane;  an  amused  smile  played 
about  the  corners  of  his  mouth,  but  the  Americans 
cast  upon  me  sullen  glances.  They  suspected  Tarle- 
ton's  kindness,  and  I  did  not  understand  it. 

Within  the  hour  Charlotte  lay  behind  us,  for,  re 
freshed  by  their  days  of  inactivity,  the  soldiers 
moved  at  a  brisk  rate  over  the  winding  road  which 
led  southward.  But  as  the  long  hours  passed  and 
lengthened  into  days,  a  different  spirit  came  upon 
the  marching  host.  About  noon  on  the  day  follow 
ing  our  departure  from  Charlotte,  a  cold,  cheerless 
rain  set  in,  which  after  a  time  turned  the  dusty  road 
into  a  quagmire,  a  river  of  mud,  which  clung  to  the 
feet  of  the  moving  hundreds,  blocked  the  wheels 
of  the  carts  and  wagons'  and  mired  the  heavy 
cannon. 

Murmurs  of  discontent  arose  about  me,  mingled 
with  oaths  and  imprecations  against  Cornwallis ; 
being  mounted,  I  escaped  somewhat  the  discomfort 
of  those  on  foot,  who  sank  at  each  step  into  holes 
filled  with  water,  or  slipped  helplessly  upon  the 
oozing  clay.  Several  times  I  offered  my  seat  to 
the  Vicomte,  but  in  vain  ;  he  only  said  : 

"  I  brought  you  here.  But  for  me  you  would  be 
safe  in  France,  or  at  the  headquarters  of  General 
Washington." 

Before  long  an  opportunity  presented  itself  for 
dispelling  the  sullen  glances  of  my  fellow-prisoners. 
One  of  the  Americans,  a  young  lieutenant  of  dra- 


1/6  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

goons,  weak  from  a  wound  received  at  Camden, 
sank  by  the  roadside,  unmindful  of  the  rough  order 
from  his  captors  to  move  forward. 

Addressing  the  officer  in  command,  I  requested 
that  the  unfortunate  youth  be  mounted  in  my  place, 
to  which,  after  some  hesitation,  the  Englishman  gave 
consent.  Henceforth  the  Americans  looked  on  me 
more  kindly  and  I  found  much  diversion  in  their 
conversation. 

As  the  days  passed,  it  required  small  perception 
to  see  that  the  movement  of  the  British  had  been 
forced  upon  them  by  necessity,  otherwise  Corn- 
wallis  would  have  returned  to  Charlotte,  or  quartered 
himself  in  one  of  the  many  towns  lying  along  the 
route. 

On  the  fifth  day  the  condition  of  the  troops  be 
came  deplorable.  With  no  tents  to  shelter  them, 
they  encamped  at  night  beside  the  muddy  road, 
spreading  their  blankets  on  the  water-soaked  earth 
without  lights  or  fire.  Each  morning  many  were 
added  to  the  sick  and , fever-stricken  ;  the  wagons 
were  crowded  with  cursing  wretches,  too  weak  to 
make  their  way  on  foot ;  without  rest,  and  torment 
ed  by  cold  and  sleeplessness,  they  cared  little  for 
what  might  overtake  them.  Rivers  were  to  be 
crossed,  and  these,  swelled  by  incessant  rains  to 
raging  torrents,  were  forded  with  difficulty ;  twenty 
wagons  loaded  with  provisions  were  lost,  swept 
away  by  the  waters  or  sunk  hopelessly  in  the  quag 
mires.  Famine  stared  Lord  Cornwallis  in  the  face  ; 
the  country  through  which  we  passed  afforded  scant 
provision  save  fields  of  Indian  corn,  which  the 
soldiers  gathered  and  devoured  eagerly. 

Nor  did  the  inhabitants  of  the  districts  through 
which  the  army  passed  leave  it  to  the  mercy  of  in 
clement  elements,  and  the  ravages  of  nature.  By 


THE    ROAD   TO    WINNSBOROUGH.          177 

day  and  by  night  bands  of  yeomen  hovered  upon 
the  flanks  of  the  dispirited  soldiers.  Not  like  men, 
but  swarms  of  vicious  insects,  they  beset  the  British, 
firing  upon  them  from  behind  trees  and  the  shelter 
of  rocks  and  hillocks.  Sometimes  singly,  often  in 
parties  of  ten  or  a  dozen  the  outraged  Americans 
crept  upon  the  red-coats,  slaying  without  pity  many 
among  the  struggling  mass.  At  night  the  camp  be 
came  a  place  of  terror  ;  sentinels  fell  pierced  by 
hostile  bullets;  the  lighting  of  a  camp-fire  was  the 
signal  for  a  rain  of  balls  sent  by  unseen  hands. 
Frequently  soldiers  shivering  about  it  met  the  angel 
of  death  speeding  out  of  the  darkness.  Ofttimes  it 
was  scattered  to  splinters,  and  those  who  sought 
its  warmth  fled  panic-stricken  to  wander  through 
the  night,  chilled,  hungry  and  frightened.  No  sooner 
was  a  spark  ignited  than  an  officer  cried  :  "  Put 
out  the  light !  "  and  his  soldiers  crouched  in  the 
darkness. 

Neither  in  the  day  was  there  any  safety.  Men 
from  the  forests,  and  the  fields,  hid  in  the  woods, 
formed  ambushes  in  the  road,  and  galled  the  plod 
ding  troops  beyond  endurance.  Infantry  and  artil 
lery  mingling  together,  fled  at  random  in  all  direc 
tions,  filled  with  ala'rm  and  terror.  But  if  certain 
of  the  British  rode  in  advance,  musket  in  hand, 
looking  carefully  on  every  side,  halting  and  listen 
ing,  there  was  no  enemy  to  be  found. 

From  time  to  time  horsemen  appeared  upon  the 
horizon,  and  the  red  lines  drew  up  as  though  for 
battle  ;  then  those  who  hovered  in  the  distance  dis 
appeared  as  if  by  magic,  to  rise  again  further  on. 
At  such  times  consternation  reigned  in  the  regi 
ments,  not  knowing  what  to  do,  but  they  flowed  on  in 
silence,  the  red  flag  trembling  above  the  heads  of 
soldiers. 
12 


1/8  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

In  the  midst  of  this  danger  and  tumult,  we,  the 
prisoners,  crowded  together,  weary,  hungry  and  dis 
consolate.  Unused  to  the  rigors  of  so  detestable  a 
climate,  I  suffered  severely,  but,  covered  with  mire, 
soaked  to  the  skin  and  like  at  any  moment  to  be 
struck  down  by  a  bullet,  I  fared  no  worse  than  my 
captors — the  proud  army  which  had  defeated  Gates 
at  Camden,  and  swept  the  Americans  from  the 
Carolinas. 


CLARK,   OF  THE   REGULARS., 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

CLARK,    OF   THE    REGULARS. 

THE  march  southward  dragged  on  through  weary 
days  and  nights.  On  the  tenth,  word  reached  us 
that  Lord  Cornwallis,  stricken  with  fever,  had  given 
the  command  to  Lord  Rawdon,  and  was  being  car 
ried  forward  in  a  wagon.  The  condition  of  his 
lordship  necessitated  a  halt  of  two  days  at  a  ham 
let  known  as  the  Catawba  settlement ;  there  the 
worn-out  soldiers  rested,  and  obtained  provisions  ; 
a  line  of  sentinels  being  thrown  out,  sleep  was  pos 
sible,  for  the  Americans  dared  not  approach  too 
near  the  town. 

Soon  after  taking  up  the  march,  Tarleton  ap 
peared  suddenly  before  the  prisoners.  During  the 
preceding  days  I  had  seen  him  frequently,  but  at 
a  distance  ;  his  dragoons  formed  the  van  of  the 
army,  and,  although  seeming  to  be  everywhere,  he 
studiously  avoided  our  section  of  the  line. 

Sitting  upon  his  horse,  his  keen  eyes  sought  me 
out,  and  a  grim  smile  crossed  the  sternness  of  his 
face  as  they  met  mine.  I  presented  a  sorry  sight 
after  the  trying  tramp  through  the  mud  of  the 
Carolinas ;  he  sat  stiff  and  immaculate,  though 
the  hardships  through  which  he  had  passed  were 
written  on  his  countenance.  Motioning  me  to 
approach  he  bent  in  his  saddle  and  viewed  me 
critically. 

"  Why  were  not  my  orders  obeyed  ?  "  asked  he ; 


180  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVADIER. 

"  on  horseback  you  would  not  have  fallen  into  such  a 
plight,  M.  de  Marc." 

I  replied  that  my  horse  had  been  returned  to  me, 
but  one  among  the  prisoners  being  ill,  I  had  placed 
it  at  his  disposal. 

He  shrugged  his  shoulders.  "  It  was  wasted 
kindness,"  said  he  ;  "  these  rebels  have  small  ap 
preciation.  We  march  in  an  hour,  and  I  would 
advise  you,  sir,  to  look  more  carefully  to  yourself." 

He  wheeled  his  horse  suddenly  and  cantered  off, 
followed  by  the  gaze  of  those  about  me.  Later,  I 
was  to  see  him  in  another  light. 

At  noon  we  resumed  the  march,  much  refreshed 
by  our  halt  at  Catawba.  Being  well  into  South 
Carolina  I  surmised  that  ere  long  Lord  Rawdon 
would  lead  the  troops  into  quarters,  and,  as  the 
roads  were  better,  and  the  Americans  left  the  troops 
in  peace,  we  proceeded  more  rapidly. 

Just  at  this  time  the  Vicomte  spoke  to  me  on  a 
subject  about  which  he  had  given  much  thought. 
That  we  should  seize  a  favorable  opportunity  and 
attempt  an  escape  from  captivity. 

"  I  do  not  know  whither  we  are  bound,"  said  he, 
"  but  once  in  permanent  quarters,  it  will  be  less 
possible." 

I  told  him  the  thought  had  also  occurred  to  me, 
but,  as  we  were  closely  guarded,  and  weakened  by 
privation,  I  saw  little  chance  of  accomplishing  so 
rash  a  venture. 

"  It  has  been  whispered  among  the  Americans," 
said  he,  "  and  some  look  upon  it  favorably.  We 
are  passing  through  a  country  hostile  to  our  cap 
tors  ;  once  clear  of  them  we  certainly  might  look 
for  help." 

I  promised  to  consider  the  matter  carefully,  and 
try  to  form  some  plan  by  which,  if  opportunity 


CLARK,    OF   THE    REGULARS.  l8l 

offered,  we  might  be  successful,  but  as  we  were 
always  under  the  watchful  eyes  of  the  guards,  the 
undertaking  seemed  most  foolhardy.  Marion's 
words  occurred  to  me,  and  the  reason  which  had 
hastened  his  departure  from  Chester  ;  to  devise  a 
plan  whereby,  if  the  American  prisoners  were  con 
ducted  under  guard  to  the  sea-coast,  he  might  rescue 
them.  For  a  moment  a  wild  hope  flashed  through 
my  mind,  but  I  dismissed  it  as  one  beyond  reali 
zation  ;  not  a  score,  or  less,  of  English  soldiers 
guarded  us,  but  Cornwallis's  army.  Against  it  even 
Marion  would  be  powerless. 

Thus  a  day  passed  bringing  us  nearer  to  our 
destination  and  to  what  I  dreaded,  the  sifting  of 
Major  Brooks's  recital  in  regard  to  my  presence  at 
King's  Mountain  and  at  Chester. 

On  the  night  of  the  twenty-seventh  of  October, 
rumor  reached  me  that  it  was  the  purpose  of  the 
commander  to  terminate  the  march  at  Winns- 
borough,  a  place  near  Camden.  Worn  out  by 
ceaseless  tramping  over  the  rough  roads,  I  welcomed 
with  a  sigh  of  relief  the  arrival  at  the  night's  camp 
ing  place,  and  after  partaking  of  the  meager  meal 
which  the  guard  set  before  me,  lay  down  under  the 
shelter  of  a  tree. 

How  long  I  slept  I  know  not,  it  must  have  been 
close  to  daylight,  for  when  I  opened  my  eyes  the 
darkness  had  given  place  to  an  uncertain  grayness, 
heralding  the  approach  of  dawn.  Overcome  with 
drowsiness  I  would  have  closed  my  eyes  again,  but 
the  hand  of  the  Vicomte,  who  lay  next  me,  pulled 
gently  at  my  blanket. 

"  Henri,"  he  whispered,  and  the  words  scarcely 
reached  my  ear,  "  I  have  decided  ;  death  is  prefer 
able  to  long  weeks  of  imprisonment,  and  to-morrow 
it  will  be  too  late." 


1 82  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

In  an  instant  I  gained  my  full  senses.  His  tone 
told  of  a  fixed  resolve  ;  a  determination  to  make  a 
break  for  liberty,  though  a  British  musket-ball  might 
be  the  ending. 

"  De  Biart  and  three  others,"  he  whispered  ; 
"  perhaps  some  may  escape  in  the  confusion." 

Raising  my  head  slightly  I  made  a  rapid  survey 
of  the  situation.  We  were  encamped  in  a  belt  of 
woodland  extending  for  many  rods  along  the  road 
side  ;  a  sluggish  creek  flowed  near  us,  separating 
our  resting-place  from  the  main  body  of  the  army 
which  lay  on  the  southern  side.  Our  place  was  at 
the  rear  of  the  marching  line,  and  toward  the  north 
were  the  wagons  and  artillery,  guarded  by  a  regi 
ment  of  grenadiers  and  Hessians,  who,  with  our 
guards,  constituted  the  tail  of  the  army.  A  sen 
tinel,  leaning  sleepily  upon  his  musket,  stood  twenty 
paces  from  where  we  lay,  further  on  a  second,  then 
a  third  and  fourth  ;  one  on  each  side  ;  at  the  north, 
west,  and  east,  and  by  the  creek.  Beyond  the 
grove,  which  separated  it  from  the  road,  stretched 
a  broken  country,  studded  with  rocks  and  hillocks. 
This  I  had  observed  on  the  previous  evening,  but 
now  the  landscape  was  hidden  by  a  wavering  dark 
ness. 

Edouard  watched  my  examination  with  anxious 
eyes,  for  he  eagerly  wished  that  I  too  should  make 
a  dash  for  freedom. 

"  De  Biart  thinks  this  is  the  time, "  he  whispered  ; 
"  shortly  after  sundown  he  heard  the  sentries  speak 
of  horsemen  upon  the  hills,  and  Blanchford  "  (one 
of  Marion's  dragoons  who  was  among  the  prisoners) 
"  noted  the  cry  of  a  night  hawk  ;  he  said  it  was  a 
signal  used  by  Marion's  men." 

Again  the  thought  of  the  intrepid  American 
flashed  through  my  mind.  When  he  had  spoken 


CLARK,  OF  THE  REGULARS.      183 

of  journeying  eastward  he  knew  nothing  of  the 
retrograde  march  of  Lord  Cornwallis  ;  was  it  not 
possible  that  he  had  followed  in  the  track  of  the 
army  ? 

This  thought  quickened  the  resolution  already 
half  formed.  If  others  attempted  to  regain  their 
liberty  I  would  not  remain  behind.  The  Vicomte 
read  my  decision,  and  rapidly  imparted  the  plan 
formed  by  De  Biart  and  the  Americans  who  were 
resolved  to  undertake  the  venture. 

De  Biart,  who  lay  nearest  the  sentinel  to  the  east, 
would  approach  him  with  some  plausible  excuse  for 
leaving  his  bed  upon  the  ground,  then,  seizing  the 
opportunity  to  strike  him  down,  escape  before  any 
knew  of  his  intention.  We  were  to  follow,  trusting 
to  the  surprise  and  consternation  of  the  remaining 
sentinels  to  reach  the  open  country  beyond,  when 
each  would  be  obliged  to  look  after  his  own  welfare. 

It  was  a  simple  plan,  quickly  formed,  and  full  of 
danger,  for  the  sentries  would  speedily  find  their 
wits,  the  camp  be  aroused,  and  some,  perhaps  all 
of  us,  be  shot  down  or  overtaken.  Yet  there 
appeared  no  other  way,  and  there  was  a  chance 
that  some  among  us  might  escape  to  the  friendly 
shelter  of  the  hills,  and  the  protection  of  the  Amer 
icans. 

By  a  secret  signal  the  Vicomte  made  known  my 
willingness  to  join  the  others.  Five  minutes  passed  ; 
moments  fraught  with  anxiety  and  strained  im 
patience.  The  sentinel  who  was  to  be  the  object  of 
De  Bfert's  attack  stood  motionless,  like  a  figure  of 
stone,  the  scarlet  of  his  uniform  showing  a  dull  color 
in  the  fitful  gleam  of  the  half-dead  camp-fire. 
With  beating  heart  and  nerves  racked  with  expect 
ancy  I  waited  ;  would  De  Biart  never  start  ?  Had 
the  Vicomte's  words  been  but  a  dream  ? 


184  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

Suddenly  I  saw  my  countryman  move  uneasily, 
throw  out  his  arms  and  rise  to  a  sitting  posture  ;  in 
another  moment  he  would  approach  the  sentinel. 
But,  even  as  he  was  in  the  act  of  stumbling  to  his 
feet,  and  the  red-coat  hearing  him  turned  quickly, 
from  out  the  darkness  burst  a  flash  of  fire,  and  the 
crack  of  a  rifle  resounded  through  the  stillness. 
Without  a  cry,  scarcely  moving,  the  sentry  tottered 
and  fell,  his  nerveless  fingers  clutching  at  the  grass  ; 
in  the  same  moment  De  Biart  sprang  upright  and 
made  his  run  for  liberty. 

At  the  report  a  score  of  soldiers  leaped  from  their 
blankets  reaching  for  their  guns.  But  we,  who  had 
waited  in  breathless  eagerness  for  a  signal,  were 
before  them,  upon  our  feet,  following  the  retreating 
form  of  M.  de  Biart. 

A  cry  arose  from  the  now  thoroughly  awakened 
soldiers  ;  a  sentinel  discharged  his  musket,  another, 
and  a  third.  One  of  my  companions  threw  up  his 
arms  and  fell,  but  his  death  was  speedily  avenged  ; 
a  dozen  rifles  flashed  from  out  the  darkness  and 
half  as  many  red- coats  rolled  upon  the  ground. 

The  Vicomte  ran  panting  at  my  elbow,  urging  me 
on  as-  though  the  cracking  shots  behind  lent  no 
lightness  to  my  feet. 

A  medley  of  cries,  commands  and  discordant 
shouts  arose  from  the  camp  ;  then  the  deep  roar  of 
a  volley  fired  by  those  whom  discipline  had  drawn 
into  line.  A  cloud  of  humming  bullets  whistled 
past  my  ears  ;  one  who  ran  before  me  dropped, 
but  it  was  evident  the  grenadiers  aimed  too  high  ; 
had  it  not  been  so  Edouard  and  I  would  have  gone 
no  further  for  liberty. 

For  a  moment  none  followed  us,  for  the  flashes 
of  the  American  rifles  dotted  the  hillsides  beyond 
the  camp.  We  were  between  two  fires,  plunging 


CLARK,  OF  THE  REGULARS.      185 

recklessly  ahead  in  the  semi-darkness,  not  knowing 
but  rifle-bullet  or  musket-ball  might  bring  us  down. 
Perhaps  those  who  harassed  the  enemy  saw  in  our 
mad  dash  the  escape  of  prisoners  ;  they  must  have 
known  in  some  way  what  took  place  about  the 
British  camp-fire,  or  a  Providence  turned  aside 
their  bullets  and  permitted  us  to  pass  in  safety. 

Staggering  forward,  with  the  Vicomte  close  be 
hind,  I  discerned  just  before  me  a  tall  form,  who, 
having  discharged  his  piece,  was  feeling  for  the 
powder-flask.  At  the  same  moment,  seeing  me,  his 
hand  went  to  his  belt. 

I  know  not  what  I  cried,  but  at  my  words  he 
started  forward  with  an  exclamation,  the  next  instant 
was  upon  me — Sergeant  Clark  of  the  regulars. 

I  knew  little  of  what  followed  ;  my  heart  was 
beating  like  a  battering-ram,  my  head  dizzy  and 
near  to  bursting  ;  nothing  but  the  sound  of  firing 
rang  in  my  ears.  The  voice  of  Clark,  and  the 
pressure  of  the  Vicomte's  hand  upon  my  shoulder, 
brought  me  to  my  senses. 

"  Sir,"  cried  the  ranger,  ' '  a  little  further  !  the  hive 
has  been  awakened  and  the  wasps  are  about  to 
show  their  stings." 

As  he  spoke  the  shrill  blare  of  a  bugle  came  from 
the  British  camp,  and  a  second  discharge  of  fire 
arms.  Day  was  breaking  in  the  sky,  and  through 
the  wavering  light  I  could  make  out  the  indistinct 
movements  of  those  below.  Bodies  of  red-coated 
soldiery  were  forming  into  line,  mounted  men  rode 
madly  among  them,  and  in  the  road  were  gathering 
a  mass  of  horsemen  :  Tarleton's  dragoons. 

"Come,"  said  Clark  sharply,  "  it  is  their  purpose 
to  send  out  cavalry,  and  our  force  cannot  withstand 
them.  To  the  woods,  that  we  may  not  be  over 
taken." 


1 86  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

It  was  even  as  he  said.  The  bright-colored 
British  dragoons  began  to  pour  into  the  level  tract 
which  separated  the  elevation  upon  which  we  stood 
from  the  camp,  and  with  drawn  sabers  were  ad 
vancing  toward  us. 

Hastening  wtfh  Clark  and  the  Vicomte  to  the 
forest  which  lay  behind  the  ridge  of  the  hill,  I  saw 
a  score  or  more  of  Americans  going  also.  Having 
aroused  the  British,  they  did  not  wait  for  their  com 
ing,  being  too  few  in  number  to  contend  against 
them.  The  dragoons  reaching  the  summit  of  the 
elevation  and  perceiving  no  one,  did  not  venture 
further,  but  returned  to  the  main  body,  who,  later, 
resumed  the  march  toward  Winnsborough. 

The  Americans,  and  especially  Clark,  who  seemed 
to  be  their  leader,  received  us  with  much  satisfac 
tion.  Our  plan  to  escape  was,  of  course,  not  known 
to  them  ;  Clark's  hand  unwittingly  fired  the  shot 
which  was  the  signal  for  De  Biart's  dash  for  liberty. 
He  failed  in  the  venture  which  he  had  planned, 
for  he  was  not  among  those  who  joined  us  beneath 
the  shade  of  the  forest,  but  whether  dead,  or  again 
a  prisoner,  I  knew  not  at  that  time. 

The  ranger's  explanation  of  his  presence  was 
simple.  Instead  of  returning  to  Chester  he  had 
remained  near  the  spot  where  he  left  me,  and  thus 
knew  of  Cornwallis's  march  from  Charlotte. 
Whether  I  was  held  a  prisoner,  or  remained  with 
the  British  at  my  own  volition  in  order  to  aid  the 
Vicomte,  he  could  but  surmise  ;  the  former  seemed 
the  most  probable.  In  company  with  other  patriots, 
varying  in  numbers,  he  hovered  upon  the  flank  of 
the  enemy  by  day  and  night;  chance  alone  brought 
about  our  meeting,  although  he  told  me  he  had  the 
hope  that  in  some  manner  I  would  again  rejoin 
him. 


CLARK,    OF   THE    REGULARS.  1 87 

"And  General  Marion  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  I  have  not  heard,"  said  he,  "or  of  McDowell." 

"  Cornwallis  goes  to  Winnsborough,"  said  I, 
"  perhaps — 

"  It  is  close  to  Camden,"  cried  he,  "  and  Mistress 
Bourmont  is  there.'' 

"  And  Major  Brooks  is  with  the  British,"  I 
answered. 

An  expression  of  alarm  appeared  in  his  eyes. 
"  Our  duty  is  clear,"  said  he,  "  we  must  forestall 
these  red-coats  and  take  her  to  a  place  of  safety. 
If  Brooks— 

"He  will  scarcely  harm  her,"  I  replied,  and 
related  the  scene  at  Tarleton's  quarters. 

"  'Tis  no  guaranty  of  safety  for  the  maid,"  he 
replied,  "  I  little  trust  this  Tarleton,  and  beside  he 
may  be  ordered  eastward  to  contend  with  General 
Marion.  Come,  horses  await  us  near  by  ;  we  will, 
if  you  have  recovered  sufficiently  from  your  fatigue, 
hasten  to  Camden." 

The  Vicomte  approached  me.  "  Henri,"  said  he, 
"  I  will  go  also,  for  I  must  disobey  my  father  and 
even  the  King.  I  shall  not  return  to  France." 

Words  were  useless  ;  his  purpose  was  unchange 
able,  nor  was  I  over  cast  down  at  the  failure  of  my 
mission.  Having  fulfilled  it,  and  delivered  M.  le 
Comte's  message  to  the  Vicomte,  I  was  free  to  fol 
low  my  own  inclinations.  Clark  smiled  gravely  at 
the  boy's  impetuosity.  It  may  be  he  was  reminded 
of  Lafayette. 


1 88  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

A    MAID    OF    THE    COLONIES. 

AT  midnight  we  arrived  in  Camden.  The  town 
seemed  buried  in  slumber,  except  that  here  and 
there  lights  twinkled  from  windows  showing  some 
were  watching,  perhaps  over  the  wounded  and  sick, 
or  performing  delayed  tasks.  It  was  a  new  place  to 
us  all,  but  we  came  upon  an  inn  and  found  several 
persons  busy  with  their  horses  in  the  yard. 

These  proved  to  be  a  party  of  countrymen,  who, 
having  ridden  into  town  during  the  day,  were  pre 
paring  to  return  to  their  homes  in  the  outlying 
districts.  From  them  we  learned  that  several 
Americans  who  had  been  wounded  in  the  battle 
with  Cornwallis,  were  quartered  in  a  building  quite 
near  the  tavern,  but  they  knew  nothing  of  those 
who  attended  them.  We  had  ridden  rapidly,  there 
seemed  no  probability  of  danger  from  the  British, 
therefore  Clark  suggested  that,  being  so  weary,  the 
hour  late,  and  Mistress  Bourmont  of  course  in  her 
bed  for  the  night,  we  retire  to  the  inn  and  rest  until 
morning. 

I  arose  at  daybreak,  and  leaving  the  Vicomte 
still  asleep  went  outside.  Clark  was  before  me  ;  I 
found  him  in  conversation  with  the  owner  of  the 
house.  From  his  grave  manner  I  saw  something  had 
disturbed  him,  and  on  inquiring  the  cause,  he  said  : 

"  We  have  bad  news  ;  Captain  Bourmont  died  at 
sunset." 


A    MAID    OF   THE   COLONIES.  189 

This  was  so  unexpected,  it  came  like  a  blow,  and 
for  a  moment  1  could  reply  nothing. 

"  Until  yesterday  all  looked  for  his  recovery," 
continued  the  ranger,  •'  but  the  wound  opened 
afresh  and  he  passed  away  while  his  sister  was  be 
side  him." 

"  And  what  of  Mistress  Bourmont?"  I  asked. 

"  She  has  borne  up  bravely,"  replied  the  landlord, 
"but,  if  you  are  her  friends,  your  coming  is  most 
fortunate.  She  is  alone,  save  for  certain  ones  of 
the  town." 

"  But  McDowell  ?  "  I  asked,  "  is  he  not  here  ?  " 

"  He  went  north  to  join  General  Marion,"  replied 
the  man  ;  "  the  girl  would  have  it  so." 

"  Come,"  said  I  to  Clark,  "  let  us  go  to  the  house 
at  once. " 

Directed  by  the  landlord,  we  approached  the 
building  and  knocked  softly  upon  the  door.  After 
some  moments  of  silence  the  bolts  were  drawn,  and 
a  sleepy-eyed  man  confronted  us. 

"  We  have  ridden  in  haste  to  Camden,"  said  I, 
"  and  seek  Mistress  Bourmont." 

He  drew  aside,  motioning  us  to  enter.  "In 
there  !  "  said  he,  pointing  to  a  door  a  few  feet  from 
us  ;  "  she  has  not  slept  since  yesterday." 

"Go!':  interrupted  Clark,  "I  will  wait  for  you." 
With  quick  perception  he  felt  that  in  her  sorrow 
Constance  might  wish  to  be  alone  with  me. 

Scarcely  realizing  the  meaning  of  his  action,  I 
tapped  gently  upon  the  panel,  then  pushed  open  the 
door,  and  entered.  The  room  was  dark  save  for 
the  gray  light  which  struggled  through  a  curtained 
window.  Dimly  I  made  out  the  shrouded  form 
upon  the  bed,  and  the  bowed  figure  seated  at  its 
head. 

At  the  opening  of  the  door  the  girl  half  turned, 


190  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

but  perhaps  thinking  it  to  be  the  man  who  admitted 
us,  and  had  shared  her  sleepless  vigil,  she  lowered 
her  eyes  again,  and  a  stifled  sob  reached  my  ear. 
The  evidence  of  her  sorrow  showed  me  how  strong 
was  my  love  for  her.  Quickly  crossing  the  room  I 
stood  beside  her,  and  said  :  "  Constance  !  " 

Startled,  she  raised  her  head  and  regarded  me  for 
a  moment  in  amazed  silence.  Then,  overcome  by 
irrepressible  emotion,  arose  and  held  her  hands 
toward  me  with  a  gesture  of  childlike  helplessness. 

"  M.  de  Marc,"  she  said,  in  a  voice  so  low  I 
scarce  caught  the  words,  "  you  have  come  at 
last,  but  it  seemed  as  though  I  never  was  to  see  you 
again. " 

I  resisted  a  strong  impulse  to  clasp  her  in  my  arms 
and  comfort  her,  but  better  judgment  prevailed  ; 
even  if  I  were  more  to  her  than  a  friend,  this  was 
not  the  moment  for  declaring  love.  But  I  took  the 
outstretched  hands  in  mine,  holding  her  thus  in 
mute  sympathy  until  the  first  strength  of  my  emo 
tions  passed. 

"  Mademoiselle,"  I  said,  "  would  to  God 
that " 

"  It  was  His  will,"  interrupted  she  brokenly.  "At 
the  eleventh  hour,  but  oh,  Monsieur " 

A  tired,  frightened  look  stole  into  her  eyes ;  the 
brave  eyes  which  had  faced  danger  so  unflinchingly, 
and,  moved  by  sympathy,  mine  grew  moist  also. 

With  a  quick  gasp  her  hands  tightened  convul 
sively.  "But  God  is  good,"  she  said,  "  He  has 
not  left  me  alone." 

"  No,"  I  replied,  hardly  knowing  what  to  answer, 
"  Sergeant  Clark  and  I " 

At  the  ranger's  name  an  eager  look  came  into 
her  face.  "  He  knew  him,"  she  murmured,  "  how 
brave  and  kind  he  was,  and — they  have  killed  him." 


A   MAID    OF   THE   COLONIES.  19! 

"  Clark  is  outside,"  I  said,  "  I  will  send  him 
to " 

"  Not  yet ;  not  now,  M.  de  Marc,  I  would " 

She  checked  the  words,  and  turned  her  face  away 
as  though  fearing  to  say  too  much,  then  lifted  her 
eyes  again,  and  spoke  more  bravely. 

"  I  thank  you  and  Sergeant  Clark,  Monsieur ; 
your  presence  will  make  my  heart  less  heavy!" 
With  a  sudden  movement  she  took  her  hands  from 
mine  and  drew  back  the  covering  from  the  face  of 
her  dead.  "  And  he  would  thank  you  too  ;  it  was 
but  yesterday  he  spoke  of  you." 

I  looked  down  upon  the  features  before  me  ;  the 
face,  though  wasted  by  sickness,  was  like  her  own  ; 
the  brow  broad  and  white,  the  mouth  tender  as  a 
woman's. 

"  Until  yesterday  we  thought  to  bring  him  back 
to  health,"  she  continued  sorrowfully,  "  at  parting 
Mr.  McDowell  promised  to  visit  him  at  Bourmont 
House;  even  the  doctor  knew  not  the  seriousness 
of  the  wound." 

"  Mademoiselle,"  replied  I,  seeking  to  say  some 
thing  which  would  show  my  appreciation  of  his  loss 
to  her,  "  your  country  could  ill  afford  the  death  of 
Captain  Bourmont  ;  would  that  he  might  stand  in 
my  place,  and " 

She  raised  her  hand  as  though  in  gentle  protest 
to  the  ending  of  my  sentence,  and  said  simply  : 
"  Many  have  fallen  that  America  might  be  free,  but 
others  remain,  Monsieur,  to  defend  the  Colonies." 

"  He  cannot  take  my  place,"  cried  I,  "  but — if  it 
be  possible,  I  may  fill  in  part  that  left  vacant  by 
his  sacrifice  ;  and  you,  you  will  pray  for  me, 
that " 

A  faint  flush  came  to  her  pale  cheeks  and  for  a 
moment  she  was  silent,  then  said :  "  I  thank  you 


192  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

for  your  noble  words,  Monsieur ;  my  country  needs 
such  swords  as  yours,  and — I  ze//7/pray  for  you." 

I  longed  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  comfort  her 
in  a  manner  more  befitting  the  misfortune  which 
had  befallen.  Perhaps  she  read  the  thoughts  and 
sorrow  for  her,  which  lay  heavy  upon  my  heart. 
The  first  grief  had  benumbed  her  faculties,  rendering 
her  prostrated  and  helpless,  but,  through  the  long 
night  of  agony,  calmness  and  strength  in  a  measure 
returned  ;  an  inherent  braveness  with  which  to  face 
the  sad  realities.  I  dared  to  think  that  my  coming 
meant  something  more  than  a  protection  from  phys 
ical  danger.  In  her  first  surprise  she  had  greeted 
me  almost  affectionately,  although  with  no  words 
save  one  short  sentence  had  she  betrayed  her  sen 
timents. 

A  pause  followed  the  promise  of  her  prayers. 
The  silence  of  the  room,  the  presence  of  death, 
and  emotions  which  filled  my  breast  oppressed  me. 
Suddenly  she  replaced  the  covering,  and  turned. 

"  Sergeant  Clark  is  outside,  you  said,  will  you  bid 
him  enter,  M.  de  Marc  ?  " 

1  hastened  upon  her  errand  and  soon  the  tall 
form  of  the  ranger  crossed  the  threshold.  Used  to 
trying  scenes  upon  the  battle-field,  he  was  unfa 
miliar  with  the  softer  touch  of  death,  and  paused 
irresolutely  at  the  entrance  of  the  darkened  chamber. 
The  low  voice  of  Constance  bade  him  welcome,  and 
with  hesitating  steps  he  approached  the  bed. 

"  Captain  Bourmont  is  gone,"  said  he  softly,  the 
harshness  of  his  voice  giving  place  to  a  strange  note 
of  sympathy,  "  the  lad  was  brave  and  a  gallant  sol 
dier." 

His  words  touched  the  maid  more  than  wild  lam 
entations  or  well-turned  phrases  could  have  done, 
for  she  knew,  in  his  uncouth  way,  the  woodsman 


A    MAID    OF   THE   COLONIES.  IQ3 

spoke  from  the  heart.  Her  slender  form  trembled, 
and  hiding  her  face  in  her  hands  she  burst  into  a 
torrent  of  tears. 

The  rough  hand  of  the  ranger  was  laid  tenderly 
upon  her  shoulder,  and  thus  for  a  moment  they 
stood,  the  maid  struggling  with  her  grief,  the  gray 
eyes  of  the  patriot  dimmed  as  had  never  been  their 
wont. 

"Come,"  said  he  gently,  "  long  hours  of  sleepless 
ness  have  wearied  you  ;  he  would  not  wish  you  to  be 
overcome." 

Obedient  as  a  child,  she  permitted  him  to  lead 
her  from  the  room  into  the  sunshine  without ;  de 
spite  the  sorrow,  her  spirit  was  uplifted,  for  she 
knew  she  was  not  alone. 

I  will  not  say  much  of  the  following  day,  when 
we  laid  to  rest  all  that  remained  of  Captain  Bour- 
mont.  Afterward  we  told  his  sister  about  our  sud 
den  coming  to  Camden  ;  that  the  British  were  close 
at  hand,  and  to  delay  longer  might  bring  fresh  mis 
fortune.  She  listened  attentively,  and  said  quietly, 
that  now  her  brother  needed  her  care  no  more,  and 
she  would  accompany  us  to  the  north.  I  think 
during  those  hours  the  cheerfulness  of  the  Vicomte 
did  much  to  dispel  her  gloom,  but  I  did  not  know 
until  afterward  that  the  most  of  his  conversation 
with  her  was  concerning  me  ;  my  life  in  France,  and 
those  incidents  which  occurred  at  Charlotte  and 
during  the  march  of  Cornwallis  southward. 

The  van  of  the  British  army  reached  Winnsbor- 
ough  on  the  twenty-ninth  of  October  ;  the  morning 
of  that  day  saw  us  in  the  saddle. 

It  was  necessary,  in  order  to  avoid   the   scouting 

parties  which   Lord  Rawdon  was  sure  to  send  out, 

to  make  a  wide  detour  toward  the  east,    and    we 

purposed  to  cross  a  stream  called  Lynch's  Creek  ; 

'3 


194  A   CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

from  thence,  hurry  to  the  north,  hoping  to  find  Gen 
eral  Marion  in  that  neighborhood  and  join  him. 
We  were  well  mounted,  and  our  progress  was  rapid. 
Mistress  Bourmont,  whose  heart  now  turned  to  the 
east  bank  of  the  Hudson,  fretted  at  each  delay, 
scarcely  willing  to  stop  when  night  or  the  welfare 
of  the  horses  necessitated  such  action.  We,  anx 
ious  for  her  safety,  were  nothing  loath  to  reach  the 
northern  provinces  as  quickly  as  possible. 

Not  much  worthy  of  note  occurred  during  the 
days  which  elapsed  between  our  leaving  Camden 
and  arrival  in  Philadelphia.  We  saw  nothing  of 
General  Marion,  though  reports  reached  us  that  he 
was  not  idle,  and  had  our  course  been  more  toward 
the  east  we  must  have  found  him. 

At  Philadelphia  we  tarried  for  a  day,  then  pushed 
forward  across  New  Jersey,  reaching  without  mishap 
the  camp  of  General  Washington.  I  had  left  it  an 
emissary  of  the  Count  le  Mans  and  his  Majesty  of 
France,  I  returned  to  offer  my  services  to  the  cause 
of  liberty. 


AT  WASHINGTON'S  HEADQUARTERS.     195 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

AT   GENERAL    WASHINGTON'S    HEADQUARTERS. 

MY  welcome  by  Lafayette  was  such  as  one  com 
rade  gives  another,  nor  was  that  accorded  to  the 
Vicomte  le  Mans  of  less  cordiality,  rather  more  in 
fact,  for  he  had  always  been  a  favorite  with  the 
Marquis.  To  Clark  also  he  spoke  warmly,  offer 
ing  to  use  his  influence  to  obtain  a  respite  from 
duty  in  consideration  of  his  noble  service.  To  this 
the  ranger  replied  shortly,  saying  he  but  wished  to 
accompany  Mistress  Bourmont  to  the  manor  house, 
after  which  he  desired  to  rejoin  his  company. 

To  the  maid  Lafayette  spoke  with  much  deli 
cacy,  offering  sympathy  with  her  sorrow  for  the 
death  of  her  brother,  whom,  although  never  having 
seen,  he  knew  well  through  reports  from  other 
officers. 

"  I  am  sure,"  said  he,  "  that  his  Excellency  would 
feel  honored  to  have  you  call  upon  him  and  speak 
about  the  death  of  Captain  Bourmont ;  it  is  to  him 
a  cause  of  sorrow." 

Thus  it  happened  that  from  her  General  Wash 
ington  learned  of  my  adventures  in  the  south,  and 
of  my  intention  to  join  the  American  army.  He 
conducted  her  with  much  gallantry  back  to  the 
headquarters  of  Lafayette,  where  the  Marquis, 
Edouard  and  I  awaited  her. 

Upon  perceiving  me  he  extended  his  hand,  say 
ing  :  "  Sir,  it  is  with  great  pleasure  I  again  wel- 


196  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

come  you  to  our  midst ;  your  course  in  the  south 
has  done  you  honor.  It  is  now  doubtless  your 
wish  to  accompany  Mistress  Bourmont  to  her 
family  ;  upon  your  return,  will  you  do  me  the  favor 
to  dine  with  me  at  my  headquarters  ? " 

I  bowed  low ;  words  were  inadequate  to  express 
my  admiration  for  this  noble  gentleman. 

"Your  Excellency,"  said  Lafayette,  "this  is  the 
Vicomte  le  Mans,  whose  coming  to  America  brought 
M.  de  Marc  hither." 

"  It  is  most  gratifying  to  know  you,  sir,"  replied 
the  commander,  "  the  more  so  that  you  have  reached 
us  unharmed  by  adverse  circumstances.  It  will 
please  me  if  you  join  us  also,  upon  M.  de  Marc's 
return  from  Bourmont  House." 

He  bowed  gravely  and  retired,  leaving  us  to  watch 
his  tall  figure  as  he  moved  off  among  the  soldiers 
whom  his  genius  was  guiding  to  victory.  The 
Vicomte  expressed  himself  most  enthusiastically. 

"  It  needs  but  a  scepter  and  a  crown  to  make  him 
all  a  king, "said  he. 

"  He  is  more,"  replied  Lafayette,  "  would  that 
Europe  could  boast  of  such  an  one." 

Knowing  that  Constance  was  impatient  to  cross 
the  river,  I  suggested  we  should  leave  without 
further  delay,  promising  the  Marquis  to  return  on 
the  morrow  and  relate  to  him  such  things  as  had 
befallen  me  in  the  Carolines. 

"Think  you  to  rid  yourself  of  me  so  soon?" 
replied  he  gaily,  and  calling  for  his  horse  he  sprang 
into  the  saddle  and  accompanied  us  to  the  ferry, 
riding  by  her  side  that  he  might  talk  with  her  about 
those  at  the  manor.  We  left  him  upon  the  western 
bank,  and  for  the  remainder  of  the  journey  I  kept 
my  horse  apace  with  the  maid's,  the  Vicomte  and 
Clark  bringing  up  the  rear. 


AT  WASHINGTON'S  HEADQUARTERS.    197 

As  we  approached  the  manor  house  my  com 
panion  grew  more  sad  and  quiet,  knowing  herself 
to  be  the  bearer  of  unhappy  news  to  those  suffering 
intense  anxiety  at  her  absence,  while  still  thinking 
that  the  son  and  brother  lay  sorely  stricken  beyond 
their  care. 

Suddenly  she  checked  her  horse  and  turning  to 
me  said  with  much  agitation  :  ''  The  Vicomte  rides 
with  us,  M.  de  Marc,  and  they  will  think " 

I  understood.  Those  within  the  house  perceiving 
horsemen  upon  the  road,  and  perhaps  recognizing 
the  three  who  had  ridden  southward,  would  think 
the  fourth  to  be  Captain  Bourmont,  recovered,  and 
returning  with  his  sister. 

A  word  explained  the  situation  to  my  companions  ; 
they  reined  in  their  horses,  leaving  the  maid  and  me 
to  approach  the  manor  alone. 

How  different  now  from  when  I  first  rode  under 
the  tall  elms  which  flanked  the  highway  adjacent  to 
the  Bourmont  homestead.  Then  I  was  a  stranger, 
about  to  contend,  for  honor's  sake,  in  behalf  of 
those  whom  I  had  never  seen,  knowing  only  that 
they  were  women  in  distress  ;  and  now — 

An  exclamation  from  my  companion  startled  me 
out  of  the  reverie.  The  road  which  turned  into 
the  manor  grounds  was  but  a  few  rods  before  us, 
and  upon  it,  advancing  toward  the  highway,  came 
a  single  horseman,  who,  perceiving  us,  gazed  in 
tently  in  our  direction. 

"  It  is  my  younger  brother,  Henry  ! "  cried 
Mistress  Bourmont,  ''  the  war  has  spared  him  to  us, 
M.  de  Marc.'' 

The  youth  who  approached  seemed  about  the 
Vicomte's  age,  of  slender  figure,  clad  in  the  uniform 
of  an  American  officer.  As  we  neared  each  other 
I  noticed  that  his  face,  browned  by  exposure,  re- 


198  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

sembled  more  that  of  his  younger  sister  Josephine 
than  my  companion.  Suddenly  he  started,  touched 
his  horse  with  the  spur  and  hastened  toward  us. 

"Constance!"  cried  he,  "thank  God!  and — 
Arthur  ? " 

It  needed  no  answer  to  tell  him  what  had  befallen 
in  the  south.  The  boyish  gladness  faded  from  his 
face,  and  he  turned  his  eyes  away  that  I,  a  stranger, 
might  not  note  the  tears. 

"  Henry,"  said  his  sister  gently,  "  this  is  M.  de 
Marc,  who " 

He  raised  his  eyes  quickly  and  extended  his  hand. 
"  You  are  welcome,"  said  he,  "  and  are  scarce  a 
stranger  to  Bourmont  House  ;  my  mother  has  told 
me  of  you.'' 

Small  need  to  relate  what  followed.  How,  with 
him,  we  rode  slowly  to  the  entrance  of  the  manor  ; 
the  joy  of  Madam  Bourmont  and  her  daughter 
turned  so  soon  to  sorrow.  What  passed  between 
them  in  those  first  agonizing  moments  I  do  not 
know  ;  I  left  them  at  the  portal  and  crossed  the 
park,  walking  slowly  toward  the  highway,  that  I 
might  meet  Clark  and  the  Vicomte  who  were  ap 
proaching  the  gate.  The  former  expressed  satis 
faction  that  Lieutenant  Bourmont  was  with  his 
family ;  he  belonged,  he  said,  to  General  Wayne's 
command. 

As  we  conversed,  the  youth  joined  us,  extending 
a  welcome  to  my  companions,  and  begged  us  to 
accept  his  mother's  hospitality.  Their  grief  was 
indeed  great,  but  the  war  had  taught  American 
women  to  bear  with  fortitude  their  sufferings. 
Fearful  lest  our  coming  should  be  intrusive,  and  as 
Constance  no  longer  needed  protection,  it  seemed 
to  me  wise  to  return  to  Tappan.  But  to  this  Lieu 
tenant  Bourmont  would  not  listen,  avowing  that 


AT  WASHINGTON'S  HEADQUARTERS.    199 

we  were  most  welcome,  and  our  presence  would 
tend  to  cheer  those  within  the  house. 

Madame  Bourmont  met  me  with  much  show  of 
feeling,  expressing  her  gratitude  for  what  she  chose 
to  call  the  service  I  had  rendered  her  daughter. 
I  longed  to  tell  her  what  lay  nearest  my  heart,  but 
delicacy  forbade ;  her  words  precluded  a  declara 
tion. 

We  remained  beneath  the  hospitable  roof  until  late 
the  following  morning.  Answering  the  desires  of 
Lieutenant  and  Madame  Bourmont  I  related  much 
which  had  befallen  while  in  the  Carolinas,  and  f"> 
my  recital  Clark  and  the  Vicomte  added  their  own. 
Thus  the  evening  hours  passed  quickly,  and  mid 
night  was  approaching  when  we  retired  to  rest ; 
Clark,  the  Vicomte  and  I  to  sleep  soundly,  the 
others  to  bear  in  solitude  their  crushing  sorrow. 

I  was  not  surprised  that  the  sudden  departure  of 
Constance  from  her  home  had  called  forth  no  pro 
testations  on  the  part  of  her  mother.  Possessed  of 
a  keen  sense  of  appreciation,  the  older  woman  com 
prehended  the  impulse  which  moved  her  daughter 
to  action,  and  though  it  had  caused  her  many  hours 
of  anxiety,  the  thought  that  her  son  had  been  com 
forted  by  his  sister's  presence,  and  breathed  out 
his  life  in  her  arms,  gave  her  only  the  keenest 
satisfaction. 

On  the  arrival  of  the  hour  for  our  departure  for 
the  American  camp,  Lieutenant  Bourmont  made 
ready  to  accompany  us  to  the  ferry  at  Tarry- 
town,  and  our  hostess  exacted  a  promise  that  we 
should  return  whenever  duty  and  inclination  per 
mitted.  Constance  raised  her  eyes  to  mine  as  we 
parted  ;  it  was  the  first  separation  since  we  met  in 
Camden,  and  she  seemed  unwilling  that  I  should 
go,  but  whether  the  manner  arose  from  a  feeling  of 


200  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

companionship  and  gratitude,  or  found  its  source 
in  a  more  subtile  reason  I  knew  not,  nor  dared  ask 
her. 

We  soon  passed  the  distance  between  the  manor 
house  and  Tappan,  so  that  some  hours  before  sun 
set  I  was  again  at  Lafayette's  headquarters. 

"  I  am  gratified,"  said  he,  after  our  first  words  of 
greeting,  "  that  his  Excellency  is  well  pleased  with 
you,  and  I  think  through  the  maid's  recital  you  lost 
nothing." 

"  In  some  ways  I  aided  her,  which  was  a  pleasure," 
I  replied,  "  but  another  might  have  rendered  better 
service,  and  in  truth  it  is  Clark  who  deserves  the 
praise." 

"  Not  any  shall  be  taken  from  him,"  answered 
the  Marquis,  "  but  do  you  think,  Henri,  that  soldier 
ing  has  deprived  me  of  perception  ?  The  girl  is, 
indeed,  fair,  brave,  and  looks  upon  you  as  a  hero. 
I  fear  for  your  peace  of  mind,  sir." 

"  I  have  heard,"  said  I,  "  that  before  the  war  a 
British  officer ' 

He  made  a  gesture  of  protestation.  "  Mon 
Dieu  !  "  he  cried,  "  and  they  have  slain  her  father 
and  brother  !  Can  you  think  so  illy  of  the  women 
of  the  Colonies,  M.  de  Marc  ?  Nothing  of  the  kind 
would  be  possible  !  But  now  I  bear  a  message 
from  his  Excellency.  Learning  you  would  return 
to-day,  he  sends  an  invitation  to  dine  with  him  this 
evening;  there  will  be  General  Greene,  Mr.  Hamil 
ton  and  others.  I  have  already  accepted  in  your 
behalf,  and  also  Edouard's.  They  will  be  much 
interested  in  your  account  of  the  southern  trip,  and 
in  you  ;  you — who  have  seen  Cornwallis's  army." 

What  remained  of  the  afternoon  passed  quickly 
in  conversation. 

A  little  after  sundown,   at  the  hour   named  by 


AT  WASHINGTON'S  HEADQUARTERS.    201 

General  Washington,  1  went  with  the  Marquis  and 
Edouard  to  headquarters.  The  company  had  al 
ready  gathered  ;  General  Greene  was  joking  with 
Mr.  Hamilton,  there  were  also  Major  Talmadge 
and  a  sturdy  officer  with  slightly  rounded  shoulders, 
whom  I  learned  was  General  Knox,  the  best  artillery 
commander  in  the  army. 

His  Excellency's  greeting  was  courteous,  and  he 
introduced  me  to  the  several  officers,  I  knowing 
none  but  Major  Talmadge.  After  Washington. 
General  Greene  attracted  me  the  most.  He  had 
been  chosen  by  the  commander-in-chief  to  succeed 
him  should  he  be  by  death  removed  from  the  head 
of  the  army.  Greene  combined  with  those  qualities 
possessed  by  a  far-seeing  officer,  a  most  charming 
personality. 

"  His  Excellency  has  told  me,"  said  he,  extending 
his  hand,  "  of  your  recent  journey  to  the  Carolinas ; 
it  would  please  me  if  you  would  relate  your  impres 
sions  of  the  prevailing  conditions  there." 

I  did  not  know  then  that  to  him  Washington  had 
decided  to  confide  the  fortune  of  the  Colonies  in  the 
south  ;  and  but  for  the  inaction  of  a  stupid  Con 
gress,  Greene,  and  not  Gates,  would  have  con 
fronted  Cornwallis  at  Camden,  and  it  seemed  to 
me  the  result  been  less  fatal  to  the  American 
arms. 

We  chatted  until  supper  was  announced,  the 
General  asking  many  questions  about  the  condition 
of  the  country,  the  spirit  of  its  people,  and  the 
characteristics  of  the  British  army.  To  these  I  re 
plied  readily,  adding,  that,  being  a  foreigner,  my 
opinion  was  perhaps  of  little  value,  yet  given  for 
what  it  was  worth. 

"Sir,"  said  I,  "another  fortnight  of  hardships 
such  as  we  experienced  on  the  march  from  Char- 


2O2      A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

lotte  to  Winnsborough  would  deplete  the  force  of 
Lord  Cornwallis  more  than  a  dozen  battles." 

"  The  British  have  many  resources,"  replied  he, 
"  which  to  us  are  impossible,  but,  were  those  who 
fight  for  liberty  forced  into  similar  conditions,  they 
would  suffer  without  a  murmur." 

A  few  months  later  his  words  were  verified. 

During  the  hours  passed  at  the  table,  General 
Washington  threw  off  some  of  the  burden  of  care 
which  rested  upon  his  spirit.  He  loved  good  com 
pany,  and  it  was  his  habit  to  sit  long  at  table,  some 
times  speaking  little,  but  listening  attentively  to  the 
conversation  about  him  ;  he  delighted  in  an  anecdote 
or  well-rendered  song. 

The  night  was  far  spent  and  candles  had  been 
replaced  for  the  third  time,  when  General  Knox, 
lifting  his  glass,  proposed  a  toast  to  France.  Not 
to  be  outdone  in  courtesy,  Lafayette,  the  Vicomte 
and  I  arose  in  our  places  to  drink  success  to 
the  Colonies.  As  toast  followed  toast,  to  the 
army,  the  ladies  of  the  officers  present,  and  to  the 
undoing  of  the  King's  arms,  I  saw  his  Excellency 
whisper  in  the  ear  of  Mr.  Hamilton.  The  last  re 
sponse  being  given,  the  young  officer  arose,  held 
aloft  his  glass  and  cried  enthusiastically  : 

"  Gentlemen,  one  thing  more.  Let  us  drink  to 
the  health  of  a  new  comrade  in  arms ;  Captain  de 
Marc!" 

During  the  confusion  which  followed  I  sank  back 
in  my  seat  overcome  with  emotion.  The  Marquis 
had  kept  the  secret  well,  for  I  learned  later  he  had 
spoken  on  the  subject  to  General  Washington  dur 
ing  my  absence  across  the  river. 

The  grave  voice  of  our  host  drew  every  eye  to 
ward  himself. 

"And,  gentlemen,"  said  he,    "it  is  with  much 


AT  WASHINGTON'S  HEADQUARTERS.    203 

pleasure  I  welcome  Captain  de  Marc  to  our  military 
brotherhood.  I  have  this  day  sent  to  Congress 
papers,  recommending  they  be  straightway  acted 
upon.  It  is  the  desire  of  the  Marquis  Lafayette 
that  he  be  appointed  on  his  staff."  Then,  turning 
to  me  :  "  To  your  health,  sir  !  " 


304  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

AT     BOURMONT     HOUSE. 

GENERAL  LAFAYETTE  at  this  time  commanded  a 
well-equipped  and  disciplined  body  composed  of 
six  battalions  of  infantry.  My  new  duties  were 
most  congenial,  and  the  ensuing  weeks  passed 
rapidly  ;  through  the  kindness  of  the  commander-in- 
chief  the  Vicomte  received  from  Congress  his  com 
mission  as  a  sub-officer,  and  we  were  not  separated. 

Upon  Lafayette's  advice  I  addressed  a  letter  to 
the  Count  le  Mans,  relating  my  experiences  in 
America,  the  result  of  my  mission,  and  the  accept 
ance  of  a  position  upon  the  staff  of  the  Marquis. 
Many  months  passed  without  a  reply,  and  not  until 
the  close  of  the  war  did  I  know  my  patron's  opinion 
of  the  course  I  had  taken. 

There  was  little  save  the  routine  of  camp  life  to 
occupy  our  time.  Once  there  appeared  a  proba 
bility  of  more  active  service ;  a  movement  told  me 
by  the  Marquis,  but  unknown  to  most  of  the  Amer 
ican  officers. 

Impatient  at  protracted  inoccupation,  he  had 
proposed  to  his  Excellency  to  make  an  attack  upon 
Fort  Washington,  and  the  north  end  of  the  island 
of  New  York.  A  plan  was  formulated  which  prom 
ised  success,  and  Lafayette  himself  was  to  lead  the 
expedition ;  but  the  appearance  of  some  of  the 
enemy's  warships  in  the  lower  Hudson  rendered 
the  scheme  impracticable. 


AT   BO  UR  MO  NT    HOUSE. 

Again,  one  of  my  countrymen,  the  Marquis  de 
Chastellux,  whose  troops  were  quartered  in  Rhode 
Island,  paid  his  Excellency  a  visit.  I  had  known 
him  in  France,  and  his  presence  created  a  diver 
sion. 

During  those  weeks  I  had  the  pleasure  of  being 
a  frequent  visitor  at  Bourmont  House,  where  I  was 
most  cordially  welcomed,  and  opportunity  given  to 
be  much  in  the  company  of  Mistress  Constance. 
Those  hours  were  full  of  happiness,  but  I  shrank 
from  giving  utterance  to  my  sentiments;  having 
been  of  some  slight  service  to  the  maid,  I  feared  on 
that  account  I  might  seem  to  demand  a  return,  but 
despite  the  care  with  which  I  guarded  words  and 
actions,  the  quick  eye  of  Madame  Bourmont  read 
my  heart.  Had  I  known  it,  her  continued  kindness 
would  have  given  me  encouragement. 

Although  the  army  was  to  remain  quiet  through 
the  winter,  it  happened  that  I  was  to  find  diverse 
employment.  Congress,  aroused  at  length  to  a 
realization  of  conditions  in  the  south,  turned  to 
General  Washington  in  its  perplexity.  Empowered 
to  carry  out  those  plans  which  had  long  been  ma 
tured  in  his  mind,  the  commander-in-chief  appointed 
General  Greene  to  fill  the  post  ready  to  be  vacated 
by  the  unfortunate  and  discouraged  Gates,  and  he 
at  once  set  about  preparing  for  his  journey  to  the 
Carolinas. 

Near  the  ending  of  November  I  received  a  mes 
sage  from  his  Excellency  to  present  myself  at  head 
quarters  in  company  with  Lafayette.  We  found 
him  busily  engaged  with  many  papers,  for  the 
army  was  upon  the  point  of  going  into  winter 
quarters  at  West  Point,  Morristovm,  Pompton  and 
Albany. 

He  greeted  us  cordially,  and  learning  from  the 


206  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

Marquis  certain  details  which  required  his  atten 
tion,  turned  to  me,  saying  gravely  : 

'•  You  know  that  General  Greene  is  about  to 
assume  command  of  our  troops  in  the  south  ;  per 
haps  it  will  not  be  a  surprise,  that  I  wish  you  to 
accompany  him." 

"  Your  Excellency,"  I  replied,  "  it  is  with  a  keen 
sense  of  appreciation  of  your  kindness  that  I  receive 
the  command,  though  regretting  much  to  no  longer 
have  the  honor  of  serving  near  your  person." 

He  bowed  an  acknowledgment  of  the  warm 
words.  "  You  do  me  too  much  honor,  sir,"  said 
he,  and  turned  again  to  his  papers,  selecting  one 
and  handing  it  to  the  Marquis,  saying:  "There  is 
among  your  troops  one  Sergeant  Clark,  whom  you 
have  recommended  as  deserving  recognition.  It  is 
with  pleasure,  my  dear  sir,  that  I  place  in  your 
hands  his  commission  from  Congress  as  captain  on 
the  staff  of  General  Greene."  Then,  with  a  faint 
smile  which  lighted  up  for  a  moment  his  noble 
countenance  :  "  I  doubt  not  my  Lord  Cornwallis 
will  hear  of  these  gentlemen  before  the  coming  of 
spring." 

Filled  with  enthusiasm  I  rode  back  to  our  quar 
ters  to  relate  my  good  fortune  to  the  Vicomte.  He 
declared  that  he  would  solicit  Lafayette  for  per 
mission  to  accompany  me,  but  for  once  the  Mar 
quis  turned  a  deaf  ear  to  his  entreaties. 

"Am  I  then  to  lose  all  my  friends?"  cried  he. 
"  Mon  Dieu !  M.  le  Vicomte ;  those  long  winter 
evenings !  " 

I  was  granted  the  privilege  of  delivering  in  per 
son  the  commission  to  Sergeant  Clark.  He  re 
ceived  it  with  outward  calmness,  but  the  sparkle  in 
his  eyes  revealed  with  what  pleasure  he  contem 
plated  a  second  journey  southward ;  the  long  days 


AT   BOURMONT    HOUSE.  207 

of  inactivity  were  little  to  his  liking,  and  General 
Greene,  he  well  knew,  would  carry  on  an  aggressive 
campaign  against  the  British. 

The  next  day  I  presented  myself  to  my  com 
mander,  who  received  me  cordially,  saying  at  his 
request  General  Washington  had  assigned  me  to 
his  staff. 

"  You  may  again  meet  this  Tarleton,"  said  he, 
"and  call  him  to  an  account  for  the  sword  entrusted 
to  his  care." 

Learning  that  my  services  would  not  be  required 
until  the  eve  of  his  departure  for  the  south,  I  found 
there  remained  time  for  a  last  visit  to  Bourmont 
House,  whither  I  rode,  accompanied  by  the  Vicomte. 
It  was  toward  evening  when  we  reached  our  desti 
nation,  and  the  different  members  of  the  family 
were  assembled  in  conversation  ;  the  Lieutenant 
was  to  rejoin  his  command  the  following  day,  and 
although  he  went  but  to  Morristown,  their  hearts 
were  heavy  at  thought  of  parting. 

"  But  Captain  de  Marc  will  visit  you  often,"  in 
terposed  the  young  man  in  reply  to  a  protestation, 
"  also  the  Vicomte,  and  with  two  such  good  friends 
there  need  be  little  loneliness." 

"  It  will  indeed  be  a  pleasure,"  replied  Edouard, 
"  nor  shall  I  stand  upon  ceremony  in  coming : 
Henri  will  be  gone '' 

For  a  moment  it  was  thought  he  referred  to  the 
brother,  but  he  added  quickly  :  "  he  is  most  fortu 
nate  ;  General  Greene  will  scarcely  remain  in  idle 
ness." 

Constance  raised  her  eyes,  but  it  was  Madame 
Bourmont  who  replied  to  the  Vicomte's  words. 

"  General  Greene  goes  to  the  Carolinas.  Is  it 
possible  M.  de  Marc  is  to  accompany  him  ? " 

I    answered    by   relating    the    conversation    with 


208  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

Washington,  adding,  that  as  before,  Clark  would 
accompany  us. 

The  intelligence  was  received  with  varied  emo 
tions.  Lieutenant  Bourmont  hastened  to  congratu 
late  me ;  a  look  of  regret  crossed  the  faces  of  his 
mother  and  Josephine,  while  the  eyes  of  Constance, 
which  had  been  upraised  to  mine,  sought  the  floor. 

"  I  had  not  thought  that  you  would  so  soon  leave 
us,"  said  Madame  Bourmont  gravely,  "  but  I  con 
sider  you  most  fortunate  ;  did  you  not  possess  the 
confidence  of  General  Washington  the  post  would 
scarcely  have  been  assigned  you." 

"  And  you  will  seek  revenge  on  this  Lord  Corn- 
wallis,"  cried  Josephine  ;  "  it  was  he  who  imprisoned 
you." 

For  a  moment  silence  followed,  then  I  turned  to 
Constance  and  said :  "  Mistress  Bourmont,  you 
alone  have  not  wished  me  '  God  speed.'  " 

"  It  is  needless,"  replied  she  softly,  "  yet  I  am 
glad ;  there  the  country  needs  its  stoutest  de 
fenders." 

Her  face  belied  her  words ;  perhaps  mention  oi 
the  Carolinas  brought  again  the  thought  of  her  owr> 
journey  thither,  and  its  sad  ending. 

She  remained  seated  for  a  little  time,  but  joined 
no  more  in  the  conversation.  My  mind  was  dis 
tracted,  and  I  could  but  watch  her. 

Suddenly  she  arose  with  a  faintly  uttered  excuse, 
and  left  the  room,  a  moment  later  passed  the  win 
dow,  and  her  steps  sounded  on  the  gravel  outside. 

"  Madame,"  said  I,  unable  to  longer  restrain  my 

emotion,  "  with  your  permission "  and  I  folj 

lowed  the  maid. 

She  turned  sharply  upon  hearing  my  approach^ 
then  resumed  her  walk  toward  the  outskirts  of  the 
park. 


AT   BOURMONT    HOUSE.  2CX) 

"  Constance  !  "  cried  I,  "  I  am  indeed  bold,  but 

the  night  is  chilly,  and  this  cloak "     I  proffered 

mine,  which   I  had  snatched  from   the   hall    as    I 
passed  out. 

She   stopped,    a  faint    smile    flitting   across    her 
face.     "  I  thank  you,  Monsieur,"  she  replied,  "  you 
know   I   am  strong.     The  heat  of    the  room — 
but  she  permitted  the  cloak  to  be   placed   about 
her. 

"  I  have  grieved  you,"  said  I,  boldly.  "  I  did 
not  know " 

She  raised  her  eyes  quickly.  "  'Tis  nothing,  sir, 
— the  memory  !  " 

"  Come,"  said  I,  and  as  we  walked  on  side  by 
side,  "  Constance,  remember  you  promised  to  pray 
for  me  ?  " 

She  lifted  her  face  half  proudly.  ' "  Did  you 
think  I  would  forget  so  soon  ? "  she  answered. 

"  I  shall  see  General  Marion  and — McDowell," 
I  said  at  random,  scarcely  finding  any  words  in  my 
agitation.  Never  at  the  court  of  Louis  had  I  been 
embarrassed,  but  in  the  presence  of  this  simple 
maid  utterance  was  most  difficult.  She  answered 
nothing,  and  I  continued  :  "  And,  God  granting, 
certain  ones  shall  answer  to  me." 

With  a  pained  look  she  murmured  :  "  There  will 
be  danger,  and  wounds,  and  death  ;  yet  you  would 
court  it,  Monsieur.  Let  us  forget — 

"  I  cannot !  "  cried  I,  "  for  every  hour  of  your 
agony  I  would  have  a  recompense  ! " 

Her  voice  was  very  grave  as  she  replied  :  "  'Tis 
past,  Monsieur  ;  the  country  needs  your  services, 

and "  holding  out  her  hand,  "  you  will  promise 

me?" 

"  T  will  obey  you  always,"    I  cried,  seizing  her 

hand;  "for  my  love '' 

14 


210  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

By  the  dim,  uncertain  light  I  saw  a  faint  flush 
arise  to  her  cheeks,  and  the  hand  I  held 
trembled. 

"  M.  de  Marc,"  said  she  softly.  "  not  now. " 

"  Ah  !  "  cried  I,  plunging  on,  I  cared  not 
whither ;  "  this  is  the  only  time,  to-morrow — let  me 
tell— 

"  Stop,"  she  whispered.  "  I  am  honored,  M.  de 
Marc,  but  you  must  not " 

I  misjudged  her  words,  and  cried  passionately  : 
"  I  have  heard  ;  Clark  told  me — another " 

She  snatched  her  hand  away.  "  Monsieur,"  she 
said,  half  coldly,  "  report,  it  seems,  has  carried 
many  things;  you  have  no  right  to  question 
me." 

My  heart  turned  sick  as  I  stood  motionless  in 
the  cold  November  night,  thinking  all  was  lost 
through  my  headstrong  rashness.  Something  in 
my  attitude  of  deep  dejection  touched  her,  and  she 
came  to  my  side,  resting  softly  a  hand  upon  my 
shoulder. 

"  M.  de  Marc,"  said  she  gently,  "it  is  a  poor 
return  for  your  devotion,  but  indeed  you  must  not 
question  me. " 

"  Mademoiselle,"  I  replied  in  a  strange,  dull 
tone  which  brought  a  shadow  of  pain  to  her  face, 
"  I  know  I  have  no  right,  nor  do  I  understand  my 
self,  but — I  had  dreamed,  and  the  awakening — 
Mon  Dieu  I  " 

In  an  instant  her  manner  changed  to  one  of 
tenderness.  "  I  cannot  bear  it,"  she  cried,  "would 
that  I  could  answer  you,  but — but  I  will  pray  that 
you  return  to  us." 

Her  words  kindled  a  sudden  flame  of  hope  in  my 
heart,  and  turning  quickly,  I  caught  her  hands. 
"  Constance,"  I  cried,  "  you  have  not  said  no.'" 


AT   BOURMONT   HOUSE.  211 

Again  the  flush  overspread  her  brow,  and  she 
smiled,  though  faintly.  "  1  have  neither  answered 
yes  or  no,  Henri !  " 

She  had  spoken  my  name,  and,  overcome  by 
emotion,  I  bent  and  kissed  her.  "  You  know  I 
was  to  take,  in  part,  his  place,"  said  I  softly,  "  and 
I  would  keep  this  remembrance  with  me.'' 

She  trembled  for  a  moment,  but  her  hands  re 
mained  in  mine,  and  she  looked  into  my  face. 

"  Some  time  I  will  come  to  you  again,"  I  whis 
pered,  "  and  will  it  then  be  no  ? '' 

A  soft  tenderness  stole  into  her  eyes  ;  she  re 
leased  her  hands  and  gathered  the  cloak  about 
her. 

"  It  is  cold,  Monsieur,"  said  she;  "let  us  return  ; 
they  are  waiting." 


212  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

THE    BATTLE   OF    THE   COWPENS. 

ONCE  more  I  was  in  the  Carolinas,  at  Charlotte. 
How  familiar  it  seemed !  The  house  used  by 
Cornwallis  as  his  headquarters,  but  now  occupied 
by  General  Greene  ;  the  dwelling  wherein  I  had 
dined  with  Tarleton  on  that  memorable  evening, 
the  prison,  the  long  street  through  which  had 
drifted  the  scarlet-clad  lines.  The  second  of  De 
cember  marked  our  entrance  into  the  town,  for 
General  Gates  had  occupied  it  with  the  remnant  of 
his  army  upon  the  retreat  of  the  British  to  Winns- 
borough. 

It  was  truly  a  sorry  following  which  the  new 
commander  found  awaiting  him.  Discouraged  and 
disorganized  by  their  defeat  at  Camden,  scantily 
clothed  and  poorly  fed,  the  soldiers  were  loose  and 
disorderly ;  an  army  of  some  twenty-three  hundred 
men,  made  up  of  militia,  regulars  and  horseless 
dragoons. 

I  was  not  present  at  the  meeting  between  Gen 
erals  Greene  and  Gates,  the  former  cool-headed, 
hopeful  and  energetic,  the  other  depressed  by  his 
reverses  and  the  death  of  an  only  son.  I  was  told 
he  met  his  successor  half  defiantly,  seeing  in  him 
one  whose  coming  to  Charlotte  but  added  to  the 
stain  upon  his  reputation  as  a  soldier,  and  also  of 
the  delicacy  with  which  Greene  relieved  him  of  the 
command,  turning  his  coldness  into  gratitude. 


THE   BATTLE    OF   THE   COWPENS.          213 

The  first  care  of  the  new  commander  was  to  re 
organize  the  dispirited  army.  Gates  had  caused  to 
be  erected  huts,  expecting  to  remain  inactive  dur 
ing  the  approaching  winter ;  Greene's  purpose  was 
to  enter  at  once  upon  a  campaign.  Thus  new  life 
was  infused  into  the  soldiers  ;  they  were  to  follow 
an  able  leader  against  Cornwallis,  who  in  the  future 
was  not  to  find  much  peace. 

During  those  days  none  were  idle.  From  morn 
ing  until  night  I  was  in  the  saddle,  nor  did  the 
General  spare  himself;  at  the  end  of  two  weeks 
the  army  was  prepared  to  march  southward,  where 
lay  Cornwallis,  seventy  miles  away. 

Quick  to  act  when  all  was  in  readiness,  the  com 
mander  entered  at  once  upon  his  plan  of  campaign. 
Separating  the  army  into  two  divisions,  he  sent 
General  Morgan  with  a  thousand  men  into  South 
Carolina,  with  orders  to  harass  the  enemy,  but  to 
beware  of  battle  against  a  superior  force.  The 
policy  was  to  tire  his  lordship  out,  but  the  battle  of 
Camden  must  not  be  repeated  ;  another  such  de 
feat  would  lose  the  Carolinas  to  the  Colonies. 

Having  sent  Morgan  westward,  Greene  made  his 
second  move,  and  with  the  army  I  once  more  found 
myself  upon  the  march  from  Charlotte.  Close  upon 
the  new  year  we  encamped  for  a  time  to  watch  the 
movements  of  the  enemy. 

For  a  few  days  nothing  of  importance  occurred ; 
my  duties  were  light,  and  Clark  and  I  had  oppor 
tunities  of  being  much  together;  our  constant  de 
sire  for  action  was  unexpectedly  gratified. 

I  was  sent  for  by  the  commander  one  evening, 
and  found  him  seated  beside  a  table  studying  care 
fully  a  map  spread  before  him.  Upon  my  entrance 
he  looked  up  with  a  genial  smile. 

"  Captain   de   Marc,"   said  he  shortly,  "  I  have 


214  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

within  the  hour  received  intelligence  from  the  south, 
which  must  be  acted  upon  quickly." 

He  ran  his  finger  over  the  map,  marking  certain 
portions  with  a  pin.  "  General  Morgan,"  he  con 
tinued,  "  is  in  the  vicinity  of  Broad  River  marching 
westward.  I  have  word  that  it  is  Lord  Cornwallis's 
purpose  to  overtake  him,  and  the  expedition  has 
been  entrusted  to  Colonel  Tarleton.  Morgan  must 
be  warned  of  this  move  against  him." 

Perceiving  he  had  confided  to  me  his  plans,  I 
knew  there  was  a  motive,  and  his  next  words  did 
not  surprise  me. 

"  I  wish  to  entrust  you  with  a  message  to  General 
Morgan.  A  sergeant's  guard  of  dragoons  will  ac 
company  you,  also  Captain  Clark.  The  start  must 
be  made  without  delay,  for  every  hour  is  precious : 
it  is  a  ride  of  ninety  miles,  but  do  not  spare  your 
horses." 

He  turned  to  the  table  and  wrote  rapidly  for 
several  minutes,  then  sealed  the  letter  and  handed 
it  to  me.  "  Deliver  this  to  General  Morgan,"  said 
he  ;  "I  wish  you  success,  and  much  depends  upon 
your  expedition." 

Comprehending  the  importance  of  the  trust  re 
posed  in  me,  I  hastened  to  acquaint  the  ranger  with 
regard  to  our  errand. 

"  It  will  be  a  bold  dash,"  said  he,  "  we  may  fall 
in  with  this  same  Tarleton  and  see  some  fighting. 
General  Morgan  will  offer  battle  unless  the  odds  are 
overwhelming." 

In  less  than  an  hour  we  were  in  the  saddle,  and 
led  by  a  trusty  guide  familiar  with  the  region,  speed 
ing  like  the  wind  through  the  night.  A  feeling  of 
elation  took  possession  of  me;  the  British  must  move 
fast  to  outstrip  us  ;  upon  our  despatch  might  hang 
the  ultimate  fate  of  the  campaign. 


THE   BATTLE    OF   THE    COWPENS.         21$ 

Morgan  was  encamped  upon  the  bank  of  a  stream 
called  Pucolet,  when,  after  riding  without  rest  for 
many  hours,  we  overtook  him.  I  delivered  to  him 
General  Greene's  letter,  which  he  read  with  a  serious 
countenance. 

"  Sir,"  said  he,  "  your  coming  is  most  opportune; 
now  the  British  will  find  me  prepared.  My  pres 
ent  position  is  untenable,  if  Tarleton  had  come 
upon  us  here  misfortune  would  have  followed." 

Summoning  an  aide,  he  directed  that  we  should 
be  given  such  attention  as  circumstances  permitted, 
but  there  was  not  much  time  for  repose.  In  less 
than  an  hour  after  our  arrival  the  troops  were  on 
the  move,  hastening  toward  the  upper  forks  of  the 
Broad  River. 

It  was  mid-winter,  but  the  roads,  hardened  at 
night,  became  soft  and  muddy  under  exposure  to 
the  sun's  rays.  The  soldiers  made  slow  progress, 
though  not  encumbered  with  cannon  or  baggage. 
Scouts  brought  the  intelligence  that  Tarleton  was 
coming  like  the  wind.  Morgan  called  his  officers 
in  consultation :  Colonels  Howard,  Washington, 
Pickens  and  Majors  McDowell  and  Cunningham. 
Through  his  courtesy,  opportunity  was  given  me  to 
be  present  at  the  meeting,  and  to  be  introduced  to 
each  in  turn. 

"  The  enemy  are  close  at  hand,"  said  Morgan, 
"  and  will  soon  overtake  us ;  I  intend  to  offer 
battle." 

"  Sir,  "replied  Colonel  Howard,  "would  it  not  be 
wiser  to  cross  the  river,  where,  among  the  hills,  we 
could  better  withstand  the  British  ?  " 

"They  are  too  near,"  answered  Morgan,  "  and 
might  come  upon  us  before  we  could  ford  the  stream, 
when,  confused  and  thrown  into  disorder,  we  would 
be  at  a  disadvantage." 


2l6  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

"  What  may  be  their  number  ?  "  asked  Colonel 
Washington. 

"  General  Greene  has  informed  me,"  replied  the 
commander,  "  that  it  is  about  our  own  ;  light  infantry 
and  Tarleton's  dragoons.  Our  scouts  have  verified 
in  part  this  information." 

"  Many  of  our  troops  are  raw  militia,"  ventured 
Howard. 

"  At  Saratoga,"  replied  Morgan,  "  I  saw  militia 
drive  before  them  the  British  regulars.  Gentlemen, 
to  your  places;  we  will  await  the  enemy." 

A  veteran  bush-fighter,  and  upon  ground  of  his 
own  choosing,  his  military  pride  urged  him  to  make 
no  retreat. 

A  few  hours  yet  remained  of  daylight,  and  wish 
ing  to  study  the  nature  of  the  coming  battle,  at  the 
General's  invitation  I  accompanied  him  over  the 
ground  which  was  to  be  the  scene  of  the  prospective 
conflict,  should  Tarleton  attack  the  Americans. 

The  army  had  halted  in  a  broken  country  full  of 
uneven  elevations,  and  half  covered  by  woods  free 
from  underbrush;  a  scattering  of  sheds  were  near 
the  camp,  the  region  having  been  used  as  a  grazing 
place  for  cattle,  before  the  foragers  of  both  armies 
had  driven  them  from  the  neighborhood. 

Riding  past  these  rude  structures,  General  Mor 
gan  reined  in  his  horse  upon  the  summit  of  an 
elevation  from  which  he  could  take  a  view  of  the 
surrounding  country.  Looking  down,  I  saw  that 
the  woods  extended  almost  to  the  base  of  the  hill, 
and  by  reason  of  the  scarcity  of  thickets  it  was  a 
favorable  place  for  the  maneuvering  of  cavalry. 
Behind  me  a  distance  of  some  eighty  yards  arose  a 
second  elevation  lower  than  that  upon  which  I 
stood,  but  the  sides  steeper  and  covered  with  rocks 
of  various  sizes.  From  my  horse's  feet  to  the  bor- 


THE    BATTLE   OF   THE   COWPENS.         2\J 

der  of  the  woods  in  front,  the  slope  was  gradual, 
the  ascent  perhaps  three  hundred  yards.  Behind 
the  second  elevation  the  country  was  more  open, 
stretching  in  an  almost  unbroken  line  to  the  Broad 
River,  six  miles  away. 

General  Morgan  turned  to  me.  "  You  will  per 
ceive,"  said  he,  "  the  British  must  attack  us  from 
that  direction  ;  "  pointing  to  the  woods  at  the  foot 
of  the  slope.  "  I  propose  to  wait  for  their  coining 
in  two  lines,  the  first,  near  the  foot  of  the  slope 
before  us,  composed  of  the  militia.  Experience  has 
taught  me  that  raw  troops  will  give  way  at  the  first 
fire  ;  having  received  the  onset  of  the  enemy,  the 
men  will  waver  and  fall  back,  but  behind  them," 
he  indicated  the  eminence  where  we  stood,  "will 
be  stationed  the  regulars,  upon  whom  we  must  de 
pend  for  victory.  To  reach  them  the  red-coats  will 
have  to  mount  the  hill,  and  charge  up  the  slope." 

I  glanced  to  the  right  and  left,  thinking  it  would 
not  be  difficult  for  the  British  cavalry  to  outflank 
the  lines,  unprotected  as  they  were  on  the  sides,  by 
swamps  or  other  natural  obstacles  to  the  free  action 
of  horsemen.  The  commander  read  my  appre 
hension. 

"  My  wings  will  be  unprotected,"  said  he,  "but  I 
know  Tarleton's  mode  of  fighting:  he  will  charge 
the  front,  confident  of  dispersing  the  militia  and 
carrying  the  hill,  but  if  he  seeks  to  attack  the  flank, 
he  must  deal  with  Colonel  Washington's  dragoons, 
who  will  watch  for  the  movement  from  yonder 
slope,"  he  pointed  to  the  second  elevation.  Then, 
as  though  to  himself:  "With  no  friendly  swamp  at 
hand,  and  the  deep  waters  of  the  Broad  behind, 
the  men  will  fight  more  desperately,  for  upon  their 
bravery  will  depend  their  lives." 

Darkness  was  already  fast  approaching  ;  a  hun- 


2l8  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

dred  camp-fires  gleamed  amid  the  forest,  and  the 
soldiers,  wearied  by  hours  of  marching,  retired  to 
rest  with  arms  ready  for  instant  use.  But  Morgan 
and  his  officers  gave  little  thought  to  repose. 
Throughout  the  long  night  he  went  about  with  them 
over  the  ground,  explaining  to  each  in  detail,  his 
position  for  the  next  day,  and  receiving  from  time 
to  time  reports  brought  to  him  by  his  scouts. 

Nor  did  I  take  more  rest  than  the  others.  We 
were  upon  the  verge  of  a  battle,  in  which  I,  for  the 
first  time,  would  be  an  active  participant.  As  the 
wakeful  hours  one  by  one  were  told  off,  I  did  not 
close  my  eyes,  although  so  advised  by  Clark,  thus 
to  be  in  better  condition  for  the  morrow,  Each 
moment  I  expected  that  the  bugle-call  of  Tarleton's 
legions  would  break  the  silence  of  the  night ;  to  my 
excited  imagination  the  enemy  was  already  ad 
vancing  upon  the  sleeping  soldiers. 

The  first  signs  of  dawn  were  just  streaking  the 
east  when  a  scout  brought  word  that  the  British  were 
only  a  few  miles  away,  and  rapidly  marching  toward 
the  Cowpens.  At  once  the  whole  camp  awakened 
into  life,  though  several  hours  must  elapse  before 
the  enemy  would  be  prepared  to  direct  an  attack. 

Orders  were  issued  that  the  men  should  break 
fast  ;  fortunately  there  was  sufficient  time  to  avoid 
the  necessity  of  beginning  a  battle  with  an  army  of 
men  faint  with  hunger. 

The  soldiers  were  engaged  over  their  camp-fires, 
when  a  second  scout  appeared  from  the  direction 
of  the  enemy  with  the  report  that  Tarleton  had  left 
his  baggage  and  was  hastening  forward,  although 
his  men  were  wearied  with  a  night's  march,  and  had 
not  broken  their  fast,  but  he  said  they  would  finish 
the  work  before  them,  resting  afterward.  Morgan 
turned  to  his  officers,  saying  : 


THE   BATTLE   OF   THE   COWPENS.         219 

"  Gentlemen,  to  your  places  ;  these  red-coats  are 
over-confident." 

The  sun  was  high  in  the  heavens,  when,  invigor 
ated  by  their  night's  rest  and  the  morning  meal, 
the  Americans  formed  their  lines;  the  Carolinian 
militia  and  Georgia  riflemen  in  front,  Howard's 
regulars  and  the  Virginian  riflemen  fifty  paces 
in  the  rear.  On  the  slope  of  the  second  emi 
nence  were  the  dragoons,  under  Colonel  Washington, 
eighty  strong,  and  three  score  mounted  Carolinian 
volunteers. 

Morgan  walked  calmly  back  and  forth  before  the 
militiamen.  "  This  is  the  way  to  use  a  bayonet," 
said  he,  taking  the  gun  from  the  hands  of  a  raw 
recruit.  To  another  :  "  Aim  at  the  buckle,  lad  ;  it 
is  less  than  knocking  down  a  squirrel." 

Some  of  the  riflemen  laughed,  for  they  could  bring 
down  a  squirrel  from  the  highest  tree.  Many  of 
the  militiamen,  whose  knees  had  already  begun  to 
tremble,  plucked  up  courage. 

"Fire  two  volleys  and  the  day  is  ours,"  said 
Morgan,  "  then  fall  back  and  give  the  other  boys  a 
chance."  He  knew  the  men  would  waver  in  the 
face  of  advancing  bayonets. 

He  crossed  to  the  second  line — the  regulars  upon 
whom  he  depended  to  win  the  battle.  From  my 
place  half-way  between  the  lines,  I  saw  him  smile 
as  he  pointed  to  the  motionless  militiamen. 

"  They  will  fall  back,"  said  he,  "  then  it  is  your 
turn." 

He  then  motioned  me  to  his  side.  "  Captain  de 
Marc,"  said  he,  "  you  are  well  mounted ;  will  you 
put  yourself  under  Colonel  Washington?  " 

He  walked  by  my  side  to  the  summit  of  the  hill, 
and  leaped  upon  his  horse ;  as  I  continued  down 
the  slope  to  join  the  dragoons,  he  said  : 


22O  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

"  You  know  Tarleton  ;  wait  and  you  will  see  him 
presently." 

Fifteen  minutes  passed  and  a  sound  came  from 
behind  the  belt  of  woodland  flanking  the  first  ascent. 
I  saw  patches  of  scarlet  among  the  trees  and  the 
gleam  of  bayonets,  and  heard  the  rumble  of  cannon 
wheels. 

"They  are  coming,"  said  Morgan.  His  coolness 
filled  me  with  admiration. 

The  next  moment  a  line  of  red-coats,  their  front 
bristling  with  bayonets,  rushed  upon  the  Carolinians. 
A  three-pounder,  dragged  hastily  into  position, 
opened  fire,  and  the  dull  boom  reechoed  across  the 
hills. 

The  advancing  British  were  almost  at  the  foot  of 
the  slope,  when  a  line  of  fire  rolled  along  the  Amer 
ican  rank,  and  a  cloud  of  drifting  smoke  hid  the 
combatants.  As  it  thinned  I  could  see  that  many 
of  the  enemy  were  down,  their  lines  broken,  and  a 
few  fleeing  to  the  rear.  A  shout  went  up  from  the 
regulars  stationed  on  the  crest  of  the  hill,  but  before 
the  echo  died  away,  the  woods  were  swarming  with 
the  British. 

A  second  line  of  infantry  led  by  a  mounted  officer 
in  whom  I  recognized  Tarleton  swept  upon  the 
militiamen ;  at  the  same  moment  two  bodies  of 
dragoons  advanced  upon  the  left  and  right  toward 
the  flanks  of  the  Americans.  Rifles  among  the 
Georgians  cracked  spitefully  ;  a  dozen  saddles  were 
emptied,  but  the  dragoons  spurred  their  horses  for 
ward  and  attacked  both  in  front  and  upon  the  flanks, 
when  the  militiamen  gave  way. 

A  cheer  went  up  from  the  red-coated  ranks.  A 
second  line  appeared  behind  the  first  arid  charged 
up  the  hill  led  by  Tarleton  and  his  offictrs. 

The   ranks  of   the    regulars   opened,  to  let  the 


THE   BATTLE   OF   THE   COWPENS.          221 

Carolinians  through,  then  closed  again,  and  the  hill 
became  a  sheet  of  flame.  The  British  wavered — 
halted  suddenly  and  poured  in  a  volley ;  they  had 
thought  to  win  the  victory  by  the  bayonet,  but  the 
bullets  of  the  regulars  checked  their  onset. 

Tarleton  was  everywhere,  encouraging  by  word 
and  act  the  shattered  line. 

"  For  shame  !  "  I  heard  him  shout,  "  up  and  at 
these  countrymen  !  " 

The  fight  grew  hotter.  The  militiamen,  used  to 
the  whistling  of  bullets,  formed  again  behind  the 
regulars.  Tarleton,  seeing  he  must  change  his  plan 
of  attack,  swung  a  battalion  to  the  right ;  he  in 
tended  to  strike  Howard's  line  on  the  flank  and 
scatter  it.  A  dense  cloud  of  smoke  hung  over  the 
hillside,  and  the  slope,  swept  by  a  rain  of  bullets, 
was  covered  with  the  dead  and  wounded. 

Howard  issued  a  command,  which  in  the  deafen 
ing  noise  I  could  not  hear.  The  line  of  British 
bayonets  swept  up  the  hill  and  were  almost  upon 
his  men.  Suddenly  the  regulars  wavered  ;  my  heart 
stood  still,  for  they  were  losing  ground. 

In  a  moment  Morgan  was  among  them  ;  I  learned 
afterward  that  Howard's  men  mistook  his  order, 
thinking  it  a  command  to  fall  back  to  the  second 
elevation.  The  mistake  was  most  fortunate,  for  the 
British,  thinking  they  had  the  enemy  upon  the  run, 
rushed  forward  irregularly  in  pursuit.  • 

There  was  a  medley  of  wild  shouts,  shots,  and 
cries  of  agony  in  my  ears.  General  Morgan,  hat- 
less  and  flushed,  dashed  past  me. 

"  They  are  coming  like  a  wild  mob  ;  turn  and  let 
them  have  it !  "  I  heard  him  shout. 

A  cry  of  enthusiasm  burst  from  my  lips,  for  at 
the  command,  the  regulars  did  turn,  and  the  exultant 
red-coats  were  swept  down  by  a  storm  of  bullets. 


222  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

"  The  bayonet  !  give  them  the  bayonet  !  "  went 
up  from  the  Americans.  The  British,  deaf  to  Tarle- 
ton's  furious  commands,  fled  like  a  herd  of  sheep, 
and  close  behind  them  thundered  Colonel  Washing 
ton's  dragoons. 

Carried  away  in  the  rush  of  horsemen  I  discharged 
my  pistols  at  the  red-coats  nearest  me,  and  with 
the  rest  dashed  forward.  The  smoke  had  drifted 
away  and  the  slope  of  the  hill  was  alive  with  strug 
gling  dragoons,  for  Tarleton's  cavalry  sought  to 
snatch  victory  from  defeat.  A  saber  flashed  before 
my  eyes,  to  be  struck  upward  by  an  unseen  hand. 

"  Have  a  care,  M.  de  Marc  ! "  and  Clark,  be 
grimed  with  sweat  and  smoke,  hurled  himself  upon 
a  second  red-coat  who  sought  to  slay  his  course. 

I  was  in  the  center  of  the  melee,  carried  away  by 
the  impetuosity  of  the  charge,  unmindful  of  pistol 
shots  and  the  flash  of  sabers.  I  cut  desperately  at 
one  who  carried  the  English  guidon  ;  the  man  went 
down,  and,  turning,  I  confronted  Tarleton. 

"  Ah  !  "  cried  he,  "  M.  le  Frenchman  ! '"  and 
struck  at  me  furiously. 

In  the  interval  which  elapsed  between  his  words 
and  the  sweep  of  the  blade,  I  noticed  the  contempt 
uous  sneer  upon  his  lips.  He  truly  thought  I  had 
tricked  him  well,  and  that  my  presence  in  Charlotte 
was  that  of  a  spy. 

But  he  ha,d  befriended  me,  and  there  was  no  wish 
in  my  heart  to  do  him  harm  ;  however,  to  avoid  him 
was  impossible  ;  to  remain  inactive  meant  death  or 
a  serious  wound. 

Meeting  his  blow  I  turned  aside  the  blade,  and 
thrust  fiercely;  he  parried  and  uttered  an  oath — the 
next  moment  we  were  separated  by  the  cursing 
dragoons  about  us. 

The   bravery   of   the   British,    outnumbered  and 


THE   BATTLE   OF   THE   COWPENS.         223 

surrounded  on  every  side,  was  magnificent.  Driven 
to  fury,  reckless  at  all  times  in  the  face  of  danger, 
Tartleton  fought  like  a  madman,  encouraging  by 
example  his  handful  of  followers.  The  advance  of 
Howard's  regulars  brought  the  conflict  to  a  sudden 
termination.  A  quarter  of  the  enemy's  number  was 
already  fleeing  through  the  woods  ;  a  hundred  lay 
dead  upon  the  field,  and  ten  score  wounded. 
Tartleton  saw  the  battle  was  irretrievably  lost,  and 
followed  by  a  dozen  of  his  dragoons,  he  galloped 
madly  away,  nor  could  he  be  overtaken, 


224  A   CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

THE    NIGHT   AFTER   THE    BATTLE. 

THE  victory  of  General  Morgan  was  complete. 
Tarleton,  who  thought  to  crush  him,  was  a  leader 
without  an  army,  fleeing  to  the  friendly  shelter  of 
Lord  Cornwallis's  guns  thirty  miles  away.  But 
although  the  Americans  remained  masters  of  the 
field,  General  Morgan  well  knew  that  a  fresh  danger 
threatened  him.  His  lordship,  lying  between  him 
and  General  Greene,  would  not  remain  inactive,  so 
before  midnight  following  the  day  of  battle,  he  was 
on  his  way  to  ford  the  Broad  River,  and  push  east 
ward  with  his  prisoners,  two  captured  cannons, 
wagons  and  provisions,  taken  from  the  British. 

Clark  and  I  did  not  wait  to  witness  the  march 
of  the  army.  Our  duty  was  to  return  to  General 
Greene,  and  Morgan,  if  pursued  by  Cornwallis,  might 
lead  us  many  miles  out  of  our  course.  After  defeat 
at  the  Cowpens  we  had  little  fear  of  the  enemy's 
troubling  us  on  the  way,  did  we  ride  with  haste  to 
Greene's  headquarters. 

For  the  first  few  miles  we  met  many  countrymen 
hurrying  toward  the  battle-field,  who  questioned  us 
eagerly  concerning  the  conflict.  As  the  distance 
widened  between  us  and  the  scene  of  the  late  en 
counter,  people  were  not  so  well  informed,  and  we 
told  the  news  of  the  victory  to  those  dwelling  along 
the  road. 

As  it  had  been  somewhat  late  in  the  dav  when  we 


THK  NIGHT  AFTER  THE  BATTLE. 


~ -O 


left  the  Cowpens,  night  overtook  us  before  the 
journey  was  half  completed,  and  as  we  rode  side  by 
side  Clark  suggested  that  we  should  take  an  hour's 
rest  at  the  next  farmhouse  to  refresh  both  ourselves 
and  horses.  It  seemed  wise,  as  we  were  overcome 
with  fatigue  and  drowsiness.  Even  a  short  rest 
would  be  beneficial,  so  we  decided  to  beg  hospitality 
at  the  first  dwelling. 

The  country  through  which  we  were  riding  was 
sparsely  settled,  and  another  hour  elapsed  before 
the  twinkling  light  from  a  distant  window  gave  prom 
ise  of  food  and  shelter.  Even  if  those  within  re 
sented  our  coming  it  would  matter  little,  for,  with 
Clark  and  the  sergeant's  guard  which  accompanied 
us,  our  party  numbered  ten. 

As  we  approached  the  dwelling  which  stood  a 
dozen  yards  back  from  the  road,  the  ranger  halted. 

"  \Ve  must  be  cautious,''  said  he,  "  not  knowing 
who  may  be  inside  ;  the  lights  burn  brightly  and  I 
hear  voices." 

Slipping  noiselessly  from  the  saddle  and  handing 
the  reins  to  a  soldier  he  advanced  toward  the  house. 
Waiting  in  the  road  we  could  discern  his  figure 
faintly  outlined  against  the  lighted  window. 

"  It  may  be  a  wedding,  or  a  christening,"  ven 
tured  one  of  my  companions,  li  if  so,  there  will  be 
food  and  drink  in  plenty." 

A  few  moments  of  silence  followed,  when  sud 
denly  the  door  of  the  house  was  thrown  violently 
open,  and  a  man  darted  out  ;  then  a  second,  and 
there  was  a  flash,  a  report,  and  the  first  disappeared 
in  a  twinkling.  A  woman's  scream  reached  us. 

"  Come  !  "  said  I.  turning  to  the  soldiers,  "  some 
thing  is  wrong." 

An     ejaculation      interrupted     me.      "  Look  !  " 
whispered  one  of  the  men,  "  that  is  a  red-coat." 
15 


226  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

The  light  streaming  through  the  open  door  fell 
full  upon  the  one  who  had  fired  a  shot  at  the  fleeing 
man  ;  the  scarlet  coat  with  its  yellow  facings,  cav 
alry  helmet  and  high  riding  boots  proclaimed  the 
wearer  a  British  dragoon.  With  pistol  in  hand  he 
stood  upon  the  threshold  and  peered  into  the  dark 
ness,  seeking  to  learn  the  effect  of  his  aim. 

As  I  looked  in  astonishment  at  this  figure  sil 
houetted  in  the  frame  of  the  door,  a  second  and 
third  head  appeared  behind  him,  and  a  voice  broke 
the  silence,  saying  :  "  The  fool  is  down  ! " 

The  sergeant  beside  me  touched  my  arm.  "  Sir," 
he  whispered,  "  we  have  come  upon  a  nice  nest  of 
ruffians  ;  they  are  of  Tarleton's  command,  and 
having  fled  the  Cowpens,  would  murder  and  insult 
peaceful  country  folk. " 

The  words  were  accompanied  by  the  faint  click 
of  a  carbine. 

"  Hold,"  said  I,  "  Captain  Clark  has  not  yet  re 
turned  ;  we  must  wait  for  him." 

The  figures  on  the  threshold  vanished  and  the 
closing  of  the  door  shut  off  the  light.  A  babel  of 
voices  came  from  within,  amid  which  I  heard  the 
cries  of  a  woman  and  scornful  laughter.  Just  then 
a  figure  glided  out  of  the  darkness  ;  it  was  Clark 
who  had  noiselessly  returned. 

"  Come,"  said  he,  "  there  is  work  before  us  ;  some 
of  those  who  escaped  from  General  Morgan  have 
seized  the  house,  driven  out  and  killed  its  owner, 
and  are  abusing  women." 

With  a  few  hurried  words  he  directed  the  soldiers 
to  picket  their  horses  and  surround  the  dwelling. 
He  wished  those  within  to  be  taken  alive,  but  if 
any  attempted  escape  they  must  be  prevented,  even 
should  a  bullet  be  required.  The  Americans  hast 
ened  to  obey  his  order,  leaving  us  together  in  the  road. 


THE  NIGHT  AFTER  THE  BATTLE.   22/ 

"  We  will  fasten  our  horses  here,"  said  the  ran 
ger,  "  and  go  in  upon  them  boldly.  These  ruffians 
finding  themselves  in  a  trap  will  not  offer  much 
resistance  ;  they  deserve  hanging  as  common  mur 
derers,  but  it  is  our  duty  to  put  the  matter  into  the 
hands  of  General  Greene.  Have  your  pistols  in 
readiness,  but  do  not  fire  unless  absolutely  neces 
sary." 

He  spoke  with  great  coolness,  although  to  me  it 
seemed  a  dangerous  situation,  but  so  implicit  was 
my  confidence  in  his  judgment,  that  a  doubt  of  its 
expediency  did  not  cross  my  mind.  At  Bourmont 
House,  the  cabin  in  the  forest,  King's  Mountain 
and  the  Cowpens,  his  wisdom  had  been  tested  and 
never  found  wanting. 

As  we  neared  the  house,  those  within  seemed  to 
grow  more  boisterous  ;  the  red-coats,  not  suspect 
ing  danger, -were  revenging  themselves  upon  help 
less  women  for  their  defeat  at  the  hands  of  the 
Americans.  Glancing  about  I  saw  the  dark  forms 
of  our  companions  near  at  hand,  awaiting  the  signal 
to  close  in  when  Clark  commanded  it.  He  was 
already  upon  the  threshold,  a  pistol  in  each  hand, 
and  with  a  sudden  kick  burst  open  the  door. 

The  interior  was  brilliantly  lighted  with  a  dozen 
candles,  for  the  British  had  not  been  sparing  of 
such  things  as  the  house  afforded.  The  remnants 
of  a  meal  were  scattered  upon  the  table  and  a  chair 
or  two  had  been  added  to  a  log  which  blazed  in  the 
fireplace.  Six  men  occupied  the  room,  two  in  the 
dress  of  Tarleton's  dragoons  and  three  whose  uni 
forms  marked  them  as  grenadiers  of  the  line.  The 
sixth  man  wore  the  boots  and  breeches  of  a  caval 
ryman,  but  having  thrown  off  his  coat,  was  only 
clad  above  the  waist  in  a  shirt  adorned  with  ruffles. 
On  hearing  the  opening  of  the  door  he  turned  his 


228  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

face  toward  us,  and  the  blood  surged  in  torrents  to 
my  head,  as  I  confronted  Brooks,  the  renegade. 

At  our  unexpected  appearance  a  silence  fell  upon 
the  room,  save  for  the  sobs  of  a  woman,  who, 
crouching  in  one  corner,  was  upon  her  knees  trying 
to  protect  a  second  and  younger  female,  whose 
motionless  form  suggested  death  or  unconsciousness. 
For  a  moment  Clark  stood  immovable,  the  buff  and 
blue  of  his  uniform  revealed  in  the  bright  light  of 
the  candles,  his  pistols  leveled  at  those  before  him. 

In  that  first  moment  Major  Brooks  did  not  seem 
to  recognize  the  presence  of  a  personal  enemy. 
Surprise  benumbed  his  faculties,  and  he  could  only 
gaze  with  blanched  cheeks  and  trembling  lips. 
But  when  Clark  spoke,  amazement  gave  place  to 
a  look  of  terror ;  the  pupils  of  his  eyes  dilated, 
his  knees  tottered,  and  a  sickly  gray  overspread 
his  face. 

If  the  ranger  was  moved  by  the  unexpected  presj 
ence  of  one  toward  whom  as  a  man  and  patriot 
he  had  cause  to  feel  the  bitterest  hatred,  no  sign 
betrayed  surprise  or  gratification,  and  his  voice 
when  he  spoke  was  cold  and  firm. 

"You  will  surrender  quietly,"  said  he  ;  "  it  is  not 
my  desire  to  mete  out  such  justice  as  is  given  to 
murderers  and  renegades ;  that  will  be  reserved 
until  later.  My  men  surround  the  house  and  you 
are  prisoners." 

Seeing  but  two  opposed  to  them,  the  red-coats 
thought  he  was  trying  to  obtain  by  cunning  what 
was  beyond  his  power  to  win  by  force  of  arms,  and 
one,  bolder  than  his  fellows,  sprang  toward  the 
muskets  standing  beside  the  fireplace ;  but  before 
he  reached  them  the  ranger  fired,  sending  the  man 
to  the  floor  with  a  broken  shoulder.  At  the  same 
moment  the  voices  of  the  Americans  outside  calling; 


THE   NIGHT   AFTER    THE    BATTLE.        22Q 

to  each  other  to  stand  ready  warned  the  enemy 
that  their  position  was,  indeed,  hopeless.  With 
sullen  glances,  those  who  carried  weapons  dropped 
them  upon  the  floor,  signifying  their  surrender. 

"  And  you,  sir,"  said  Clark  sternly,  fixing  his 
eyes  upon  the  Major's  face  ;  "  you,  who  are  neither 
English  or  American." 

With  trembling  fingers  the  wretch  plucked  at 
the  drooping  mustache,  after  his  old  habit.  Twice 
his  lips  parted,  and  twice  his  tongue  refused  its 
office ;  so  pitiful  was  his  condition,  that  even  the 
crestfallen  red-coats  showed  their  contempt. 

"What  would  you?"  he  muttered,  "I  am  an 
English  officer 

A  scornful  smile  crossed  the  ranger's  features. 
"  Even  Tarleton,"  said  he  coldly,  "  drove  you  from 
his  presence.  You  are  apart  from  those  who  wear 
the  King's  uniform,  yet  I  will  spare  you ;  your  fate 
will  lie  in  the  hands  of  General  Greene." 

The  woman  who  crouched  in  the  corner  crept 
toward  us.  ''  Sirs,"  she  cried,  "  he  is  the  one  who 
killed  her  ;  she  resisted  him  and — 

Unconsciously  she  came  near  to  the  cowering 
figure  standing  in  the  center  of  the  room,  and  with 
a  bound  he  sprang  back,  holding  her  as  a  shield 
before  him,  and  snatching  a  pistol  from  its  hiding 
place,  he  fired  across  her  shoulder  at  the  tall  form 
of  the  American. 

A  cry  escaped  me,  for  I  thought  Clark  was  slain, 
but  the  bullet  missed  its  mark.  For  a  moment  he 
stood  motionless,  a  few  red  drops  trickling  down 
his  face  from  the  temple  which  had  been  grazed. 
A  murmur  of  anger  arose  from  the  captured  red 
coats,  with  the  word — "Coward";  not  one  among 
them  would  have  used  a  woman  as  a  shield. 

The   suspense  was  of  short  duration.      As  the 


230  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

soldiers  without,  alarmed  at  the  second  shot,  rushed 
toward  the  doorway,  Clark  dropped  his  pistols, 
and  springing  forward  tore  the  renegade  from  his 
fancied  security.  Brooks  retreated  to  the  wall,  for 
the  look  in  the  other's  eyes  told  him  that  the  hour 
of  mercy  was  passed.  Twice  he  struck  fiercely  at 
the  advancing  and  unarmed  American  with  the 
heavy  stock  of  his  pistol ;  before  he  could  repeat 
the  blows  the  rough  hands  of  the  woodsman  seized 
him  about  the  body.  Driven  to  desperation  he 
struggled  bravely,  crying  to  his  late  companions  to 
save  him. 

With  all  the  strength  of  his  iron  muscles  Clark 
pressed  him  against  the  wall.  An  ashy  paleness 
crept  over  his  face,  his  hands  sought  to  stay  the 
vicelike  grasp  which  crushed  his  ribs,  and  a  cry  of 
agony  gurgled  from  his  lips.  All  in  the  room  were 
horrified  into  silence,  and  nothing  was  heard  save 
the  struggles  of  the  wretched  man,  and  the  creak 
ing  of  the  timbers  strained  by  the  pressure  of  his 
body. 

Suddenly  the  blue  lips  turned  crimson,  a  gush  of 
blood  stained  the  white  ruffles  at  his  throat,  and 
his  head  fell,  resting  upon  Clark's  shoulder.  The 
ranger  loosed  his  hold  and  stepped  back,  letting 
the  limp  body  sink  to  the  floor  where  it  lay  quiver 
ing.  His  face  was  flushed  to  a  dull  red,  the  heav 
ing  of  his  breast  had  the  movement  of  a  black 
smith's  bellows,  but  he  was  unharmed.  I  sprang  to 
his  side.  "  Good  God  !  "  I  cried,  and  could  speak 
no  more  ;  emotion  overcame  me. 

"  Attend  to  him,"  said  Clark  slowly,  for  the  heat 
of  passion  had  died  away,  "and  to  the  women  ; 
we  cannot  stay  longer." 

I  bent  over  the  motionless  form  of  the  renegade 
and  felt  for  the  heart  beat,  but  his  breast  was  al- 


THE   NIGHT   AFTER   THE   BATTLE.        231 

ready  growing  cold.  My  promise  to  Mistress  Bour- 
mont  that  I  would  not  seek  him  out  was  needless  ; 
the  mrm  was  dead. 

The  woman  whom  he  had  so  foully  struck,  almost 
the  last  act  in  a  career  of  crime  and  treachery,  had 
only  fainted ;  he  went  not  into  the  presence  of  his 
Maker  with  her  blood  upon  his  soul.  Necessity 
forbade  longer  delay.  The  body  of  Major  Brooks 
was  buried,  I  know  not  where,  and  the  soldiers 
thought  little  of  the  matter. 

Once  more  upon  our  way,  Clark  rode  silently  at 
my  side — and  never  afterward  did  a  word  concern 
ing  that  fateful  hour  in  the  cabin  pass  his  lips. 


232  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

THE    INN    AT    SALISBURY. 

GENERAL  GREENE  was  encamped  upon  Cheraw 
Hill ;  the  sun  shone  high  in  the  heavens  when  we 
reached  him  with  news  of  Morgan's  victory.  After 
questioning  us  closely  he  ordered  that  one  of  the 
prisoners  should  be  brought,  hoping  to  learn  from 
him  something  concerning  Cornwallis's  army.  I 
had  expected  the  commander  would  be  highly  excited 
over  the  good  fortune  to  his  arms,  but  his  face  re 
mained  grave,  while  the  cheers  of  the  soldiers, 
roused  to  enthusiasm  by  the  news  of  the  victory, 
rang  throughout  the  camp. 

"  General  Morgan  is  marching  northeast  toward 
Salisbury,"  he  said  ;  "  the  enemy  may  intercept  him 
before  he  reaches  the  Catawba,  and  there  is  much 
to  be  done." 

The  succeeding  days  were  filled  with  activity; 
the  soldiers,  inspirited  by  the  defeat  of  Tarleton,  re 
gained  their  courage,  and  the  misfortune  at  Camden 
was  in  part  forgotten.  General  Greene  confided  to 
no  one  his  plans.  He  seldom  called  the  officers  to 
councils,  but  evidently  his  mind  was  not  idle. 
Half  a  score  of  couriers  had  ridden  out  of  camp, 
and  I  heard  one  would  cross  North  Carolina  to  the 
river  Dan,  close  to  the  border  of  Virginia.  An 
officer  with  whom  I  dined  that  evening  knew  his 
errand. 

"  He  is  to  collect  all  the  boats  upon  the  river," 
said  he  ;  then  with  a  laugh  :  "  No  one  understands 


THE   INN    AT    SALISBURY.  233 

the  General's  purpose  ;  the  Dan  is  two  hundred 
miles  away." 

"  Shelby,  Campbell  and  Marion  are  ordered  to 
join  us,"  added  another  ;  "  the  army  will  not  long 
remain  inactive." 

The  meal  was  scarcely  finished  when  an  orderly 
appeared  summoning  me  to  headquarters.  General 
Greene,  booted  and  clad  for  a  journey,  greeted  me 
with  : 

"  Captain  de  Marc,  I  start  at  once  to  overtake 
General  Morgan.  You  will  accompany  me." 

Surprised  at  his  sudden  action  I  hastened  to  my 
quarters  to  make  ready.  He  was  in  the  saddle 
when  I  rejoined  him,  and  a  few  paces  away  those 
who  were  to  accompany  us  sat  motionless  on  their 
horses  :  a  countryman  who  knew  the  roads,  and  a 
handful  of  dragoons. 

It  is  not  my  purpose  to  follow  closely  the  events 
which  crowded  fast  upon  us  during  the  succeeding 
days,  when,  riding  beside  the  grave-faced  Rhode 
Islander,  I  traversed  many  miles  of  a  country 
rendered  desolate  by  the  ravages  of  war  and  in 
clement  weather.  During  this  time  I  learned  to 
comprehend  the  patience  and  careful  thoughtful- 
ness  of  the  man  whom  Washington  had  chosen  as 
his  successor,  should  he  become  disabled.  The 
roads,  frozen  at  night,  and  knee-deep  with  mud  at 
midday,  hours  of  sleeplessness  and  utter  weariness, 
must  have  overcome  him  as  they  did  me,  but  his 
endurance,  coolness  and  dignity  always  remained 
the  same. 

We  reached  Morgan's  camp  after  nightfall,  in  the 
midst  of  a  driving  rain-storm,  wet,  covered  with 
mud  and  faint  with  fatigue,  but  short  respite  was 
permitted  us.  The  army  lay  on  the  bank  of  the 
Catawba,  and  the  stream  alone  separated  it  from 


234  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

the  red-coated  legions,  which,  like  a  pack  of  blood 
hounds,  had  followed  in  swift  pursuit.  Looking 
across  the  rising  waters  I  saw  the  glimmer  of  the 
hostile  camp-fires  dotting  the  opposite  shore  ;  the 
same  rain  which  wet  us  had  been  the  salvation  of 
the  army,  for  the  river,  swelled  by  torrents  which 
fell  from  the  clouds,  had  become  a  wild  and  tur 
bulent  stream,  unfordable  for  man  and  beast. 

General  Morgan  greeted  the  commander  warmly, 
but  with  mingled  incredulity  and  astonishment,  for 
he  thought  him  miles  away  at  Cheraw  Hill. 

"  What  is  your  line  of  march  ? "  asked  General 
Greene.  "  the  river  can  hardly  hold  the  enemy 
twenty-four  hours." 

"To  the  northeast,"  replied  Morgan,  "my  men 
are  worn  out,  for  the  race  has  been  a  hard  one." 

Greene  consulted  a  map  spread  upon  a  camp 
chest.  "  It  is  not  safe,"  said  he,  "Cornwallis  will 
overtake  you  ;  "  and  following  with  his  finger  he 
pointed  out  another  route  for  Morgan  and  his  men. 
It  was  for  this  he  had  ridden  four  days  through 
rain  and  mud. 

During  the  rest  of  the  night  the  army  moved 
away  over  the  road  the  commander  had  selected, 
but  he  tarried  in  the  neighborhood  in  order  to 
collect  a  body  of  militia,  who  were  assembling  from 
the  surrounding  districts. 

We  had  ridden  well  toward  Salisbury,  when  the 
sound  of  galloping  hoofs  attracted  our  attention. 
A  courier  appeared,  urging  his  horse  with  whip  and 
spur. 

"  Cornwallis  is  across  the  river !  "  he  shouted. 
"  Tarleton  is  butchering  peaceful  farmers ;  his 
dragoons  are  only  a  few  miles  behind.'' 

For  an  instant  a  shadow  of  hopelessness  flashed 
across  the  commander's  face,  to  be  succeeded  by  a 


THE   INN   AT    SALISBURY.  235 

look  of  determination.  "  We  will  go  to  Salisbury," 
said  he  simply,  and  we  turned  our  horses'  heads  in 
the  direction  of  the  town,  reaching  it  about  midday. 

A  physician,  who  had  remained  behind  to  care 
for  the  wounded,  greeted  him  as  he  dismounted 
wearily  before  the  tavern  door. 

"  Not  with  the  army,  General  ? "  he  asked  in  sur 
prise  ;  "  thank  God,  you  are  unharmed." 

"  Yes,  but  fatigued,  penniless  and  hungry,"  re 
plied  Greene  sorrowfully,  "  I  am  here  but  for  a 
moment." 

A  woman  who  was  standing  in  the  door  went 
quickly  into  the  house.  The  commander  followed, 
requesting  that  some  food  be  hastily  set  before  us. 

The  room,  with  its  low  ceiling  and  scant  furniture, 
matched  our  condition.  Over  the  mantel  I  noticed 
a  picture  of  King  George,  who  with  painted  eyes 
looked  coldly  upon  the  mud-covered  figure  of  the 
American  officer.  General  Greene  followed  my 
gaze  and  smiled  gravely,  but  before  he  had  time  to 
speak,  the  door  opened,  and  the  woman  whom  I 
had  seen  outside  entered,  setting  upon  the  table 
such  eatables  as  she  had  at  command.  The  com 
mander  greeted  her  courteously,  and  said :  "  It  is 
sufficient  !  " 

She  smiled  sadly,  and  replied  :  "  It  was  not  for 
this,  General,  I  came,  but  to  bring  you  these;  you 
need  them  more  than  I  ;  "  and  she  held  toward  him 
two  bags  containing  silver  pieces. 

A  moment  of  silence  followed.  Greene's  voice 
trembled  as  he  replied  :  "  I  thank  you,  madame,  in 
the  name  of  the  Colonies." 

As  he  turned  to  put  the  money  into  my  hands  his 
eyes  fell  upon  the  picture  of  King  George.  Cross 
ing  to  the  mantel  he  reversed  thecnnvas,  and  traced 
with  his  pencil  a  few  words,  plainly  legible  from 


236  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

where  I  stood — full  of  admiration  for  the  noble 
woman  who  had  sacrificed  her  savings  to  help  the 
cause  of  liberty.  I  do  not  know  whether  the  pic 
ture  has  been  preserved  ;  it  would  be  a  rich  heritage 
to  her  children.  Upon  its  back  General  Greene 
had  written : 

"  Hide  thy  face.  King  George,  and  blush. " 

Greater  thanks  he  could  not  have  given  to  that 
woman  of  the  Colonies.  It  was  but  one  incident 
among  many  which  came  under  my  observation 
during  the  months  I  passed  with  the  soldiers  of  the 
Continental  army. 

It  is  not  for  me  to  dwell  upon  the  things  which 
have  now  become  history,  and  are  familiar,  or 
should  be,  to  every  schoolboy  throughout  the  new 
born  republic  to  which  I  gave  such  small  aid  as 
one  man  may  to  a  mighty  cause.  It  was  my  privilege 
to  serve  under  General  Greene  during  those  event 
ful  winter  months,  when  the  fate  of  the  south  hung 
by  a  slender  thread,  with  only  his  guiding  spirit  and 
patient  zeal  to  thwart  the  ambition  of  the  King's 
officers  whom  success  had  rendered  foolhardy. 

Beginning  with  the  moment  when  I  rode  by  his 
side  from  the  tavern  at  Salisbury,  to  the  hour, 
fifteen  days  later,  when  the  hostile  armies  lay  pant 
ing  within  sight  of  each  other  upon  opposite  banks  of 
the  river  Dan,  every  one  who  took  part  in  that  famous 
game  of  fox  and  hounds  suffered  incredible  hard 
ships.  For  two  hundred  miles  the  two  armies 
struggled  through  a  country  thinly  peopled,  covered 
by  swamps  and  forests,  cut  by  streams  swelled  to 
angry  torrents ;  without  tents,  and  often  without 
provisions.  And  if  the  British  suffered,  as  in  that 
march  from  Charlotte  to  Winnsborough,  much 
more  did  the  soldiers  of  the  Colonies  ;  for  many 
with  no  clothing  except  rags,  shoeless,  and  wasted 


THE   INN   AT    SALISBURY.  237 

by  sickness,  left  a  track  of  blood  behind  them, 
upon  which  the  red-coats  followed  like  a  pack  of 
hungry  wolves. 

As  we  lay  encamped  upon  the  bank  of  the  Dan, 
knowing  that  Cornwallis  was  at  last  out-generaled 
by  the  man  he  had  chosen  to  term  "  a  Yankee 
blacksmith,"  I  thought  of  the  words  addressed  to 
me  in  General  Washington's  headquarters  a  few 
months  before.  That,  did  occasion  arise,  the 
patriots,  too,  would  know  how  to  suffer  patiently  for 
the  cause  of  liberty. 

Though  General  Greene  had  escaped  being 
taken,  and  forced  to  do  battle  with  a  superior  and 
better  equipped  force  than  his  own,  the  subsiding 
of  the  river  might  cause  Cornwallis  to  venture  into 
Virginia,  therefore  preparations  were  made  to  con 
tinue  the  retreat  northward.  The  action  of  the 
British  commander  altered  the  plan.  Upon  the 
eighteenth  of  February  he  broke  up  his  camp,  and 
began  a  retrograde  march  along  the  road  by  which 
he  had  pursued  the  Americans  to  the  northern 
border  of  the  Carolinas.  Quick  to  act,  Greene 
decided  on  a  bold  venture.  No  sooner  were  the 
British  well  upon  their  way,  than  Colonel  Lee  with 
his  light  dragoons  and  three  companies  of  well- 
equipped  militia,  recrossed  the  river  hot  upon  the 
rear  of  the  vanishing  red-coats. 

It  was  the  pleasure  of  the  commander  that  Cap 
tain  Clark  and  I  should  accompany  the  dashing 
"  Light  Horse  Harry."  for  as  such  Colonel  Lee 
had  come  to  be  known  throughout  the  army. 


238  A   CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

THE  SWAMP  FOX. 

THE  bold  enterprise  of  Colonel  Lee  and  his  fol 
lowers  took  us  many  miles  from  the  main  army,  for, 
being  directed  by  General  Greene  to  harass  the 
enemy,  the  intrepid  dragoons  hovered  upon  their 
flanks,  cut  off  supplies,  fell  upon  detachments,  and 
liberated  prisoners. 

Our  course  led  us  to  the  south  and  east,  often  amid 
swamps,  among  the  hills,  and  through  forests  or 
across  the  open  country.  Well  mounted,  provided 
by  the  country  folk  with  food  and  shelter,  this  was 
indeed  a  pastime  compared  with  the  weary  flight 
which  had  preceded  the  dash  into  the  jaws  of  the 
lion. 

Finally,  Cornwallis  made  desperate  by  the  un 
ceasing  energy  of  the  American  horsemen,  turned 
and  retraced  his  steps  toward  the  northern  part 
of  the  Carolinas.  There  Greene  awaited  him,  but 
in  the  battle  which  followed,  evil  fortune  and  no 
wish  of  my  own  prevented  me  from  being  a  partici 
pant. 

We  had  followed  the  British  well  toward  the 
south,  when,  during  a  raid  in  the  darkness  upon  an 
outpost,  I  was  separated  from  my  companions  ;  a 
company  of  dragoons,  riding  out  to  repel  us,  cut  me 
off  from  following  the  American  horsemen.  I  knew 
nothing  of  the  country,  and  fearing  to  fall  into  the 
hands  of  the  enemy,  more  especially  Tarleton,  who 


THE    SWAMP    FOX.  239 

looked  upon  me  as  a  spy,  I  wandered  about  through 
the  night  with  no  reckoning  as  to  my  position. 
Morning  found  me  miles  to  the  east  and  with  little 
hope  of  rejoining  the  army,  which  changed  ground 
constantly,  and  perhaps  now  between  us  were  the 
legions  of  Cornwallis. 

Stopping  at  a  farmhouse,  I  made  known  my 
plight  to  the  inmates,  who  listened  incredulously,  and 
no  one  could  be  induced  to  guide  me  in  any  direc 
tion.  This  I  found  arose  through  fear  of  Tarleton, 
who  a  few  days  before  had  mercilessly  killed  several 
unresisting  countrymen,  being  rendered  more  blood 
thirsty  by  his  reverse  at  Cowpens. 

When  I  told  them  I  was  aide  to  General  Greene, 
they  manifested  more  courtesy  in  the  way  of  food 
and  offer  of  shelter,  but  my  host  intimated,  were 
any  of  the  British  to  come  about,  his  kindness  to  an 
American  officer  would  be  rewarded  by  the  destruc- 
of  property,  if  not  injury  to  his  person.  He  was 
in  truth  one  of  the  half-hearted  patriots,  who,  if  red 
coats  appeared,  wished  to  be  considered  neutral, 
or  was  ready  to  cry — "  God  save  the  King  ! " 

Finding  there  was  nothing  to  be  gained  by  remain 
ing  longer,  I  said  :  "  Perhaps  there  are  Americans 
about  here  to  whom  I  can  apply  with  more  success 
than  to  you." 

•'  As  to  that,"  replied  he,  "  it  is  probable  ;  yes 
terday  certain  of  Marion's  dragoons  watered  their 
horses  at  yonder  well." 

"  Do  you  know  in  which  direction  they  went?  " 
asked  I,  hope  reviving  at  the  welcome  news. 

He  pointed  to  the  east.  "  You  may  find  them 
there, "  he  replied,  "but  they  are  always  on  the 
move." 

Only  one  course  was  open  to  me  ;  to  ride  east- 
tward,  when,  fortune  favoring,  there  was  a  possibility 


24O  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

of  falling  in  with  Marion,  who  had  been  summoned  to 
unite  with  Greene,  and  was  now  doubtless  en  route 
toward  the  army.  With  a  somewhat  lighter  heart  I 
resumed  my  way  upon  the  highroad,  making  inquiries 
of  those  I  met  as  to  any  knowledge  of  General 
Marion. 

Some  hours  had  passed,  when  there  fell  upon 
my  ears  the  clatter  of  approaching  horsemen,  and 
before  I  could  draw  rein  three  troopers  clad  in  the 
King's  livery  rode  down  upon  me. 

Astounded  at  so  unexpected  an  encounter,  I  re 
solved  to  sell  my  life  dearly  ;  for  death  by  a  pistol 
ball  was  preferable  to  being  taken  a  prisoner  before 
Cornwallis.  The  horsemen  were  already  close  upon 
me  when  I  leaped  from  the  saddle,  and  sheltered 
myself  behind  a  friendly  bush  to  await  their  chal 
lenge,  with  pistols  in  hand.  Seeing  my  defensive 
attitude,  they  checked  their  horses,  looking  at  me 
with  some  curiosity. 

"  Faith  !  "  cried  one,  who  wore  the  coat  of  a  British 
officer,  "whom  have  we  here  threatening  us  so 
boldly  ?  " 

"Tis  Cornwallis's  advance,"  replied  another, 
"  although  a  poor  dragoon,  seeing  he  does  not  trust 
to  the  saber.  Come,  sir,  who  are  you  ?  " 

His  words,  spoken  in  a  bantering  tone,  were 
scarcely  fitted  to  the  lips  of  an  Englishman,  and  he 
spoke  lightly  of  Cornwallis. 

"I  wish  but  to  defend  myself,"  replied  I,  a  wild 
hope  rising  in  my  breast ;  "  having  once  been  a 
prisoner  in  the  power  of  Tarleton,  I " 

"Of  whom?"  cried  one  of  the  riders.  "Did  you 
say  Tarleton  ?  " 

He  grasped  the  humor  of  the  situation  and  laughed, 
saying:  "  If  you  had  met  those  with  whom  we  ex 
changed  our  rags  for  this  scarlet  finery,  you  would 


THE   SWAMP   FOX.  24! 

perhaps  have  returned  to  Tarleton's  keeping. 
Our  dress  to  be  sure  is  British,  but  we  follow 
Marion,  sir." 

Gladly  as  I  accepted  the  assurance  they  were 
Americans  I  hesitated,  fearing  a  trick  lay  behind 
the  words  and,  when  too  late,  there  would  be 
ample  opportunity  to  bewail  my  credulity. 
Therefore,  I  resolved  to  be  upon  my  guard. 

"You  speak  of  Marion,"  said  I,  "and  claim 
to  be  of  his  dragoons.  Your  colors  belie  the 
words." 

The  smile  broadened  upon  the  horseman's  lips. 

" 'Tis  not  the  coat  which  makes  the  man," 
quoth  he,  "  else  would  those  who  follow  Marion 
be  of  small  concern  to  Cornwallis  and  his  hire 
lings.  " 

Then,  as  I  still  hesitated,  holding  the  pistols 
ready,  his  brow  darkened. 

"Sir!"  cried  he,  "enough  of  idle  words. 
American  or  British,  we  have  you  at  a  disad 
vantage,  nor  do  we  know_yowr  colors,  sir." 

I  could  but  recognize  the  justice  of  his  suspi 
cions,  for,  if  as  he  asserted,  he  and  his  companion 
had  exchanged  coats  with  the  enemy,  might  not 
I,  a  British  officer,  have  donned  the  buff  and 
blue  ? 

How  the  interview  would  have  terminated  I 
know  not,  but,  at  that  moment,  a  fourth  horse 
man  appeared,  hastening  toward  us.  When  he 
drew  nearer  my  heart  bounded  ;  in  the  gaunt 
figure  of  the  approaching  rider  I  recognized 
McDowell,  of  the  Carolinas. 

Our  meeting  set  all  doubts  at  rest  and  filled  me 

with    keenest  satisfaction,    the    more    so    that    I 

learned   General    Marion   was  encamped    a    few 

miles  to  the   east  with  a  score  of  followers,   also 

-6 


242  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

that  it  was  his  purpose  to  join  General  Greene's 
army  at  the  first  opportunity. 

I  no  longer  feared  falling  into  the  hands  of  the 
British,  and  with  a  light  heart  accompanied  Mc 
Dowell  and  the  three  dragoons  to  the  American 
camp.  A  smile  crossed  the  Carolinian's  face 
when  he  learned  the  manner  in  which  I  had 
fallen  in  with  his  companions.  He  said  it  was 
not  an  uncommon  thing  for  Marion's  followers  to 
exchange  with  the  prisoners  who  fell  into  their 
hands,  for  they  were  usually  in  sad  need  of 
clothing,  but  it  was  a  custom  which  frequently 
led  to  misunderstanding  as  I  had  experienced. 

The  General  greeted  me  warmly  and  with  much 
surprise,  for  since  leaving  Chester  he  had  heard 
nothing  concerning  me,  and  supposed,  when  the 
British  marched  southward  from  Charlotte,  that  I 
had  returned  to  the  north.  He  listened  atten 
tively  to  the  account  of  my  experiences  after  our 
parting,  and  expressed  satisfaction  that  I  had 
joined  myself  to  the  cause  of  liberty,  and  accom 
panied  General  Greene  to  the  Carolinas.  Of 
Captain  Bourmont's  death  he  spoke  with  much 
feeling,  saying,  had  he  suspected  so  sad  an  end 
ing  to  his  sister's  sojourn  in  Camden,  he  would 
have  provided  the  maid  with  a  protector,  but 
had  understood  from  McDowell  that  her  brother 
was  recovering  rapidly. 

I  noticed  with  much  wonder  and  curiosity  the 
varied  elements  which  this  man  had  gathered 
about  him,  he,  who  beyond  all  other  American 
commanders  in  the  south,  had  embarrassed 
Lord  Cornwallis  the  most  successfully  before  the 
coming  of  General  Greene. 

The  camp  was  situated  in  the  border  of  a  wood, 
but  they  had  no  tents,  ovens,,  or  such  parapher- 


THE   SWAMP   FOX.  243 

nalia  as  was  common  to  the  encamping  of  troops  ; 
even  Marion  himself  was  accustomed  to  sleep 
upon  the  ground  with  only  the  heavens  for  a 
covering.  All  about  me  were  ragged,  sun 
burned  men  stretched  upon  the  withered  moss, 
or  seated  on  logs  with  their  black  firelocks  and 
powder  horns  lying  at  their  side.  A  few  were 
clad  in  the  buff  and  blue  of  the  Continentals, 
some  in  plain  homespun,  and  others,  like  those  I 
met  upon  the  road,  in  uniforms  once  worn  by 
soldiers  of  Cornwallis.  Had  they  ridden  upon 
the  public  highway  in  France,  ridicule  and  jeers 
•vould  have  followed  them,  so  tattered  and  mot 
ley  was  their  appearance.  But  by  the  British, 

ho  knew  their  intrepidity  in  war,  their  fearless 
ness  of  danger,  they  were  dreaded  ;  even  Tar- 
leton,  most  undaunted  of  dragoons,  acknowledged 
their  <Hsh  and  bravery. 

Marion  understood  my  thought  and  smiled. 
"You  are  surprised,  I  know,"  said  he,  "but 
they  are  patriots,  M.  de  Marc,  who  have  main 
tained  the  cause  of  liberty  in  the  Carolinas. " 

I  was  much  impressed  by  his  words,  and  could 
but  think  how  little  England,  or  in  fact  any  power 
in  Europe,  comprehended  or  appreciated  the 
temper  of  the  Colonies. 

For  ten  days  I  shared  the  lot  of  this  band  of 
patriots  ;  scouring  the  country  at  all  hours, 
sleeping  in  the  swamps  and  woods,  and  always 
drawing  nearer  to  the  armies  of  Greene  and 
Cornwallis.  Twice  we  met  detachments  of 
the  enemy,  scattered  them  at  the  point  of  the 
sabre,  and  passed  on  to  harass  his  lordship. 
Once  we  came  upon  a  band  of  Tories  hastening 
to  join  the  red-coats  ;  it  was  an  opportunity  not 
to  be  lost  for  clothing  a  score  of  our  men.  At 


244  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

the  same  time  the  king  lost  as  many  partisans. 
The  royalists,  awed  by  the  sudden  dashes  of  the 
"  Swamp  Fox  ''  and  his  followers,  hid  their  arms 
and  waited.  The  battle  of  Guilford  Court-House 
was  spoken  of  as  a  British  victory,  but  the  Ameri 
cans  were  everywhere  ;  to  venture  through  the 
country  was  to  become  their  prisoner. 

Those  days  were  among  the  most  memorable 
of  my  service  in  the  Colonies.  I  often  thought 
of  Edouard  ;  with  his  enthusiastic  spirit  how  he 
would  have  delighted  in  the  riding  with  Marion's 
men. 

An  incident,  of  which  it  was  my  fortune  to  be  a 
witness,  impressed  itself  deeply  upon  my  memory. 

There  were  with  us  half  a  score  of  English 
prisoners  and,  one  day,  word  was  brought  to 
General  Marion  that  a  British  officer,  under  the 
white  flag,  would  treat  for  an  exchange.  He 
found  Marion  seated  upon  a  log  whittling  indus 
triously,  for  it  was  the  General's  habit  to  be  never 
idle. 

I  saw  the  officer's  eyes  glance  around  our 
unpretentious  camp  in  unconcealed  astonishment, 
but  with  no  other  manifestation  of  surprise  he  re 
turned  the  General's  greeting  and  produced  a 
letter  which  touched  upon  his  errand. 

Marion  perused  it  carefully  and,  finding  the 
terms  to  his  satisfaction,  so  expressed  himself. 
When,  their  business  being  finished,  the  officer 
would  have  departed,  Marion,  arose  courteously. 

"Sir,"  said  he,  "it  is  close  upon  our  dinner 
hour  ;  I  beg  the  honor  of  your  company." 

The  Englishman  cast  his  eyes  around  the  camp 
as  though  seeking  to  discern  preparations  for  the 
suggested  meal.  The  shadow  of  a  smile  touched 
Marion's  lips. 


THE   SWAMP   FOX.  245 

Turning  to  his  body  servant,  who  was  busy 
with  the  fire,  he  said  :  "Is  our  dinner  ready, 
sir? " 

The  negro  poked  among  the  ashes,  brought  to 
view  a  well-blackened  sweet  potato  (one  of  the 
last  of  a  carefully  guarded  store),  wiped  it  upon 
his  cotton  shirt-sleeve  and  pricked  it  with  a 
sharpened  stick. 

I  saw  the  Englishman's  eyes  widen  with  sur 
prise  which  increased  to  astonishment  when,  hav 
ing  found  the  potatoes  to  his  liking,  the  negro 
piled  the  largest  upon  a  piece  of  bark  and  placed 
the  unsavory  looking  feast  on  a  log  at  Marion's 
side. 

"  I  fear,  sir,"  said  the  latter,  "our  dinner  will 
not  prove  so  palatable  to  you  as  I  could  wish  ; 
but  it  is  the  best  we  have.'' 

Presently  the  officer  broke  out  into  a  laugh. 
"Pardon,  General,"  said  he,  "  but  I  cannot  but 
think  how  drolly  some  of  my  brother  officers 
would  take  such  fare  as  this." 

"  Variety  is,  indeed,  lacking,"  replied  Marion, 
'•  but,  had  you  come  to-morrow,  I  might  have 
been  necessitated  the  mortification  of  permitting 
a  soldier  and  a  gentleman  to  depart  without  prof 
fered  hospitality." 

The  officer  helped  himself  to  a  potato  with 
what  sang fr oid  he  could  command.  ' '  I  presume 
it  is  a  sort  of  banyan,  a  lenten  meal — 

"Not  so,''  replied  Marion  soberly.  "It  is 
rather  above  the  ordinary.'5 

"But  you  are  doubtless  compensated,"  ven 
tured  the  Englishman,  "and,  though  stinted  in 
provisions  the  pay  is  the  more  gratifying." 

" Not  a  cent"  replied  Marion  quickly.  "We, 
who  fight  for  liberty,  draw  no  pay." 


246  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

The  officer  made  a  gesture  of  incredulity. 

"We,  of  the  Colonies,"  continued  Marion, 
"  fight  for  our  country's  freedom  and  the  benefits 
to  be  derived  therefrom.  We  are  unused  to 
luxury,  sir,  but  we  can  fight — and  die  if  need  be 
for  the  cause  of  liberty." 

I  glanced  at  the  British  officer  and  saw  his  face 
was  the  soberer  of  the  two. 

"  Sir,"  said  he,  "  I  comprehend  much  that  here 
tofore  has  puzzled  me  ;  Saratoga,  King's  Moun 
tain  and  the  Cow  Pens." 

He  partook  of  the  sweet  potatoes  sparingly, 
and  soon  signified  his  desire  to  return  to  the 
English  lines.  I  escorted  him  past  our  outposts. 
He  walked  as  one  deep  in  thought,  and  I  saw 
that  Marion's  words  had  moved  him  deeply. 
What  came  of  it  1  never  knew. 

It  was  late  in  March  when  I  rejoined  the  army. 
General  Greene's  reception  showed  he  felt  pleasure 
in  greeting  me  again.  Thinking  me  dead,  or  a 
prisoner,  he  had,  in  a  letter  to  Lafayette,  spoken 
of  his  fears.  Clark  welcomed  me  as  though  I 
was  his  son. 

"  We  are  only  at  the  beginning  of  the  cam 
paign,"  said  he,  "Spring  is  upon  us,  the  roads 
permit  of  rapid  marches,  and  the  army  is  prepared 
for  action.  You  have  returned  most  opportunely, 
M.  de  Marc." 


AFTER   YORKTOWN.  247 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

AFTER    YORKTOWN. 

AND  so  the  days  came,  were  lived  through,  and 
passed  away.  General  Greene  was  constantly 
afield  following  close  upon  the  track  of  the  British, 
but  not  offering  battle  if  the  superior  number  of 
Cornwallis's  forces  precluded  a  reasonable  chance 
of  victory.  Early  in  April,  when  the  meadows  and 
forests  were  bright  with  green  foliage  and  blossom 
ing  flowers,  his  lordship  left  the  Carolinas,  and 
hastened  north,  leaving  Lord  Rawdon  with  troops 
at  Camden.  After  this  I  was  no  longer  with  the 
army  following  the  red-coats  under  Cornwallis  and 
Tarleton.  General  Greene  turned  to  South  Caro 
lina,  intent  upon  offering  battle  to  the  enemy  at 
Camden,  and  there  I  finished  my  service  in  the 
Continental  war. 

News  came  of  activity  in  the  north  ;  a  long  letter 
from  the  Vicomte  answering  one  of  mine,  in  which 
I  apprised  him  of  my  safety,  found  its  way  to  our 
camp.  My  young  countryman  wrote  enthusiasti 
cally  of  going  with  Lafayette  into  Virginia,  sent 
there  by  his  Excellency.  Later,  I  heard  that  the 
Marquis  was  near  Richmond,  that  there  had  been 
numerous  skirmishes  between  his  soldiers  and  those 
of  Cornwallis,  and  that  General  Wayne  and  others 
were  marching  southward  with  reinforcements. 

I  longed  to  hasten  to  the  banks  of  the  James, 
where  were  Edouard  and  Lafayette,  but  duty  bound 


248  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

me  to  General  Greene.  The  campaign  was  waged 
with  vigor  against  Lord  Rawdon,  and  Cornwallis, 
out-generaled,  saw  with  consternation,  that  to  re 
turn  to  the  Carolinas  he  must  force  his  way  through 
two  hostile  armies. 

The  days  sped  quickly  and  reports  from  the 
north  poured  in  upon  us.  General  Washington, 
resolving  to  arouse  the  army  from  its  long  inac 
tivity,  had  turned  his  thoughts  southward.  But  I 
was  not  to  participate  in  the  closing  scenes  of  the 
campaign  so  rapidly  nearing  its  culmination. 

For  some  weeks  during  July  and  August,  General 
Greene  encamped  in  South  Carolina  watching  the 
force  under  Colonel  Stuart  of  Lord  Rawdon's 
army.  The  battle  of  Eutaw  Springs  followed,  in 
which,  with  Clark,  I  was  actively  engaged.  By  per 
mission  of  the  commander,  I  attached  myself  to 
Colonel  Lee's  dragoons,  and  was  swept  into  the 
very  center  of  the  conflict.  Borne  away  by  the  ex 
citement  of  battle,  I  too  recklessly  exposed  myself, 
and  dimly  knew  what  followed.  A  British  musket- 
ball  pierced  my  thigh  ;  I  heard  the  voice  of  Clark 
at  my  side,  and  saw  the  flash  of  fire  about ;  then  all 
grew  black,  and  thenceforth,  fighting  for  me  was  a 
thing  of  the  past. 

Upon  regaining  consciousness  I  found  myself 
beneath  a  tree,  surrounded  by  several  officers. 
Clark  had  received  me  in  his  arms  and  carried  me 
away  from  the  field  to  a  place  of  safety.  I  strove 
to  rise,  but  the  pain  of  the  wound  and  the  admoni 
tion  of  the  surgeon  overcame  my  purpose  ;  I  was 
to  be  but  a  spectator  in  the  stirring  scenes  which 
prefaced  the  ending  of  hostilities. 

For  many  days  I  lay  a  prisoner  to  pain  and  fever, 
in  a  house  which  the  thoughtfulness  of  General 
Greene  had  secured  for  the  accommodation  of 


AFTER    YORKTOWX.  249 

officers  whose  wounds  precluded  their  accompanying 
the  army.  Youth  and  vigor  aided  the  efforts  of  the 
surgeons  in  my  behalf,  and  by  October  I  hoped  to 
be  about  again. 

During  those  hours  of  inactivity  I  watched 
eagerly  for  news  from  Virginia.  The  movements 
of  General  Washington  and  the  French  troops  who 
had  already  passed  Philadelphia  on  their  march 
southward,  filled  me  with  impatience  at  the  en 
forced  idleness.  One  day  Clark  came  in  to  see 
me,  and  said  : 

"The  allies  are  at  Yorktown,  and  Cornwallis's 
condition  is  hopeless  ;  the  army  is  filled  with  en 
thusiasm.  Before  many  days  the  red-coats  must 
tay  down  their  arms." 

Following  this  I  learned  of  the  coining  of  the 
Continental  army  and  my  countrymen  into  Virginia. 
On  the  ninth  of  October,  General  Washington  put 
^he  match  to  the  first  gun,  which  opened  upon  the 
British  hemmed  in  behind  their  intrenchments. 
Would  that  I  could  have  hurried  northward  ;  La 
fayette  was  there,  and  Edouard,  but  my  wound  per 
mitted  little  action,  much  less  a  journey  in  the 
saddle. 

Ten  days  later  I  heard  cheering  outside  my  win 
dow  ;  the  din  of  fire-arms,  the  roll  of  drums  and  the 
shrill  blasts  of  a  dozen  bugles.  Cornwallis  was 
taken  !  the  American  and  French  arms  were  tri 
umphant  before  Yorktown  ! 

The  same  evening  Clark  brought  me  two  letters  : 
one  signed  "  Lafayette,"  the  other  from  Mistress 
Bourmont.  She  wrote : 

"I  have  just  heard  through  the  kindness  of  Mr. 
Clark  that  you  are  wounded  ;  God  grant  this  may 
find  you  well  again.  Could  you  come  to  us,  there 


250  A   CONTINENTAL    CAVALIER. 

are  three  whose  happiness  it  would  be  to  minister 
to  your  comfort ;  we  might  in  part  repay  your  many 
kindnesses  to  us.  Were  I  not  assured  that  no 
danger  is  apprehended  from  the  hurt,  that  only  you 
must  suffer  weeks  of  inactivity,  I  should  desire  to 
again  ride  southward,  whither  General  Washington 
and  the  troops  across  the  river  have  already  gone. 
I  can  only  await  your  coming  with  much  anxiety  ; 
at  Bourmont  House  you  will  be  always  and  more 
than  welcome.  .  .  ." 

Her  words  filled  me  with  happiness,  and  my  im 
patience  was  intensified.  Yorktown  was  taken,  but 
— Bourmont  House  remained. 

The  next  week  Edouard  came  to  me  fresh  from 
his  experience  at  Yorktown,  and  from  him  I  learned 
the  details  of  that  famous  siege,  and  of  how  Corn- 
wallis's  troops,  driven  from  the  Carolinas  by  Gen 
eral  Greene,  laid  down  their  arms  on  that  bright 
October  day. 

He  also  told  me  that  the  Marquis  Lafayette, 
knowing  the  war  to  be  practically  over,  was  planning 
a  return  to  France. 

"Edouard,"  said  I,  "your  ambition  is  now  satis 
fied,  and  there  is  no  reason  why  you  should  remain 
longer  in  America  ;  will  you  not  accompany  the 
Marquis  ? " 

A  grave  look  filled  his  eyes.  "  I  cannot,"  he 
answered,  "  you  are  wounded  ;  I  will  wait." 

His  words  touched  me :  the  hours  would  pass 
quicker  with  him  at  my  side,  but  he  owed  a  duty  to 
the  Count,  his  father. 

"  You  must  go  !  "  I  said  ;  "  it  may  be  many 
weeks  before  I  recover,  and,  even  then — per 
haps " 

He  looked  at  me  searchingly  with  his  clear  blue 


AFTER   YORKTOWN.  2$  I 

eyes.  "  Ah,  Henri  !  "  he  cried,  "  I  know  why  France 
is  less  dear  to  you  now  than  in  the  old  days.  Mon 
Dieu  !  did  you  think  I  was  blind?  I  will  go  with 
you  to  Bourmont  House." 

Words  were  of  no  avail,  and  he  took  his  own  way 
perhaps    the  Count  blamed   me — it    matters    little 
now. 

October  was  drifting  to  its  close.  My  wound  was 
healing,  but  as  yet  the  surgeon  forbade  the  hard 
ships  incident  to  a  protracted  journey  on  horseback  ; 
by  the  middle  of  November  probably  I  might  ven 
ture. 

On  a  day  when  Washington  was  preparing  to  re 
turn  north  from  Yorktown,  General  Greene  visited 
me  with  a  paper  which  he  said  gave  him  great  satis 
faction. 

"  I  have  this  day  received  it  from  his  Excellency 
with  a  note  concerning  you.  It  is  your  commission 
as  a  major  in  the  Continental  army,  M.  de  Marc, 
and  I  am  most  happy  to  deliver  it  into  your  hands. 
He  has  made  known  to  Congress  your  services. 
Also  he  writes  he  will  be  pleased  to  see  you  when 
again  on  the  bank  of  the  Hudson." 

Duty  then  called  the  General  elsewhere,  and, 
having  learned  from  the  surgeon  that  my  condition 
would  soon  warrant  a  journey,  he  bade  me  a  warm 
farewell.  Had  I  but  known  it  was  the  last — Death 
claimed  him  before  we  could  meet  again  ;  the  echoes 
of  the  war  had  scarcely  ceased,  when  his  country 
mourned  him — as  true  and  loyal  a  gentleman  as  ever 
wore  the  buff  and  blue. 

A  bright  November  morning,  more  than  a  year 
from  the  day  when  I  first  set  foot  in  Bourmont 
House,  I  again  crossed  its  threshold.  Riding  at 
easy  stages,  with  the  Vicomte  and  Captain  Clark, 


252  A   CONTINENTAL    CAVALIER. 

the  journey  was  without  incident.  The  wound  had 
sorely  tried  my  constitution,  but  aside  from  a  halt 
ing  step,  reminder  of  the  British  musket-ball,  which 
will  be  ever  present,  I  was  myself  once  more. 

Our  coming  was  unannounced,  but  before  we 
turned  from  the  highway  into  the  broad  lane  leading 
to  the  entrance  of  the  house,  Constance  saw  us. 
She  met  me  ere  I  reached  the  door  where  Madame 
Bourmont  and  Josephine  awaited  us.  Had  the  son 
slain  at  Camden  returned,  his  welcome  could  have 
been  no  warmer. 

In  that  first  meeting  I  sought  to  read  in  the  maid's 
eyes  an  answer  to  my  question,  but  it  was  impossi 
ble.  Not  until  many  hours  later,  when  my  tale  was 
told,  Edouard  and  Clark  gone  with  Lieutent  Bour 
mont  to  the  stables,  the  matron  and  her  younger 
daughter  withdrawn  to  some  other  part  of  the  house, 
were  we  left  alone. 

The  room  was  in  semi-darkness  save  for  the  light 
which  shone  from  the  blazing  logs  in  the  great  fire 
place.  For  a  little  time  there  was  silence — the  maid 
watching  mutely  the  leaping  flames,  I  seeking  for 
words.  An  ember  fell  upon  the  hearth  and  I  arose 
to  return  it  to  the  glowing  coals.  My  lameness, 
which  during  the  day  had  troubled  me  greatly, 
caused  my  steps  to  falter  as  I  crossed  the  room,  and 
drew  an  exclamation  of  sympathy  from  my  com 
panion. 

Raising  my  eyes  I  saw  the  maid's  were  moist  with 
unshed  tears,  and  divined  the  cause.  I  shrank 
from  pity,  and  for  a  moment  bent  over  the  fallen 
ember,  seeking  to  hide  the  pain  which  my  sudden 
movement  had  caused,  but  her  quick  eye  noticed 
it. 

"  M.  de  Marc,"  said  she  gently,  "  I  did  not  know 
it  was  so  serious ;  you  should  have  told  me." 


AFTER    VORKTOVVN. 

I  forced  a  smile  to  my  lips  as  1  replied  quickly : 
"  The  pain  is  passing,  the  wound  is  scarcely  healed, 
and — in  my  happiness  I  had  forgotten  it." 

The  words  brought  a  flush  to  her  cheeks,  and  her 
eyes  again  sought  the  fire.  Crossing  to  her  side  I 
took  her  hand  and  said : 

"  Constance,  I  have  returned,  and  you  will  not 
say  no?"  Then,  as  she  made  no  reply  continued  : 
"  My  usefulness  in  America  is  over,  Yorktown  ended 
the  war.  A  year  ago  I  thought  when  this  hour  ar 
rived  I  should  return  to  France,  but  now — 

Her  eyes  met  mine  and  the  look  within  them  made 
me  bold. 

"  Lafayette  has  gone  ;  the  Vicomte  will  soon  fol 
low,  but  I  would  stay — if  you  will  answer  me. ' 

Her  voice  was  very  low  as  she  replied  :  "  My 
answer  will  ever  be  the  same — as  my  prayers  have 
been.  You  should  have  known,  I  could  not  tell  you 
then  ;  you  would  have  misunderstood." 

"  It  is  yes  !  "  I  said,  and  stooping,  kissed  her. 

"  It  has  always  been  yes,"  she  replied  softly,  "but 
— I  was  not  sure.  I  would  not  bind  you " 

"  You  doubted  ?  Could  you  not  see,  my  dar 
ling?" 

"I  did  not  know,"  she  whispered  softly,  "time 
brings  many  changes,  but  now " 

"  Now  ?  "  I  isked  tenderly. 

"  I  am  content !  " 


254  A  CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 


EPILOGUE. 

I  MIGHT  lay  aside  the  pen,  for  with  my  return 
to  Bourmont  House  after  the  siege  of  Yorktown, 
the  part  I  took  in  the  war  of  the  Colonies  against 
the  British  crown,  ended  ;  but  since  then  a  few 
incidents  have  arisen  which  touch  upon  my 
story. 

Constance  and  I  were  married  at  the  manor 
house  close  upon  the  return  of  spring.  It  was  a 
quiet  wedding,  the  maid  would  have  it  so,  nor 
was  I  loath,  being  still  disabled  by  my  wound. 
General  Washington  was  there  and  at  the  wedding 
breakfast  did  us  the  honor  to  toast  the  bride. 
During  the  hour  he  threw  off  much  of  the  care 
which,  for  seven  years,  had  rested  upon  his  brow. 
Never  have  I  seen  a  more  courtly  gentleman  as, 
arising  with  glass  in  hand,  he  wished  us  all  hap 
piness  upon  life's  journey.  Afterward  I  met  him 
many  times,  and  it  is  an  honor  above  all  price 
that  I  may  say  he  was  my  friend. 

The  day  preceding  the  wedding  Captain  Clark 
handed  me  a  package  and  letter  from  the  south, 
sent  to  Bourmont  House  by  General  Marion.  In 
the  latter  he  regretted  his  inability  to  drink  a 
toast  at  Madame  Bourmont's  table,  but  wished  us 
"God  speed  "  upon  our  way.  He  also  spoke  of 
certain  events  in  the  south  which  were  of  inter 
est  to  me. 

The  package  contained  my  father's  sword ;  it 
was  found  in  Yorktown  by  a  Carolinian  dragoon, 
and,  being  brought  to  the  notice  of  the  General, 


EPILOGUE.  255 

he  recognized  't  as  mine  by  the  inscription  upon 
the  blade. 

"It  was  drawn  for  America,"  he  wrote,  "but 
now  our  swords  will  be  turned  to  plow-shares  ; 
perchance  Madame  de  Marc  will  cherish  and  have 
a  better  care  over  it  than  did  Tarleton." 

Not  until  the  ending  of  another  year  did  I 
return  to  Paris,  taking  Constance  with  me.  It 
was  my  purpose  to  make  my  home  near  Bour- 
mont  House,  or,  if  peace  was  permanent,  in 
New  Vork,  and  I  wished  my  wife  to  visit  my 
native  land. 

Edouard  had  preceded  me  by  many  months, 
and  his  was  the  first  greeting  when  we  stepped 
upon  the  soil  of  France.  Since  my  departure 
from  Versailles  on  that  eventful  September  day, 
the  Count  le  Mans  had  never  given  evidence 
that  I  lived  in  his  memory.  I  found  him  a  crab 
bed  old  man,  outwardly  cold  in  his  reception, 
but  inwardly  filled  with  curiosity  to  see  the  wife 
whom  I  had  chosen  in  the  Colonies.  Before  pass 
ing  an  hour  in  her  company,  he  called  me  aside, 
rapping  sharply  upon  the  polished  floor  with  his 
walking  stick. 

"I  had  thought  you  a  fool.  M.  de  Marc,"  said 
he  grimly,  touching  me  lightly  upon  the  breast 
with  the  tip  of  his  forefinger;  "however,  you 
have  more  sense  than  I  placed  to  your  credit.  The 
child  is  charming,  but  yet — it  is  accounted  for  ; 
she  is  French,  a  lily  of  Normandy  reared  in  your 
cursed  Colonies." 

The  old  nobleman  could  never  forgive  the 
Cause  which  took  Edouard  across  the  sea. 

"I  thank  you,  Monsieur,"  said  I,  "the  Mar 
quis  Lafayette  once  told  me — 

He  snapped  his  fingers  disdainfully,  and  cried  : 


256  A   CONTINENTAL   CAVALIER. 

"  Fi !  c'est  bien  assez — that  boy  who  has  come 
between  me  and  my  son.  C'est  un  horn  me  dan- 
gereux. " 

"  M.  le  Comte,"  I  interrupted,  "  Edouard  has 
returned  in  safety  to  you,  gained  some  renown 
and  much  experience  in  America.  Had  you  wit 
nessed  his  bravery " 

His  face  softened,  "  Mon  Dieu  !  "  he  cried, 
"you  are  both  leagued  against  me  ;  'tis  ever 
'Henri,'  and  now-- come  !  The  Madame,  your 
wife,  has  a  most  charming  presence,  sir ;  have 
you  taken  note  of  it  ?  " 

He  thumped  across  the  room,  a  nobleman  who 
had  outlived  his  time,  a  firm  adherent  of  kings 
and  empire.  Had  he  been  here  a  decade  later, 
his  head  must  have  fallen  among  the  first  during 
the  Reign  of  Terror. 

In  Paris  I  met  Lafayette,  who  greeted  us 
warmly,  declaring  that  of  all  my  countrymen 
who  had  taken  part  in  the  struggle  for  independ 
ence  of  the  Colonies,  I  was  the  most  fortunate. 

In  the  early  fall  we  returned  to  America  by 
way  of  London.  One  day,  strolling  among  the 
public  buildings,  I  came  face  to  face  with  Col 
onel  Tarleton. 

"  Indeed,  sir  !  "  cried  he,  extending  his  hand 
cordially,  "there  is  yet  a  matter  between  us, 
and  need  of  explanation.  I  am  your  debtor  for 
a  certain  sword  which — adverse  fortune  lost  to 
me." 

I  hastened  to  assure  him  it  had  been  returned, 
and  spoke  of  General  Marion's  letter. 

' '  Ah  !  the  Fox"  cried  he,  '  •  'twas  a  merry  chase 
we  gave  each  other,  but — 'twas  much  diversion 
and  I  bear  no  rancor."  Then,  laying  his  hand 
upon  my  shoulder: — "  I  would  know  one  thing  : 


EPILOGUE.  257 

your  true  mission  to  Charlotte.  It  was  the 
thought  I  had  been  taken  in  which  cut  the  deep 
est.  '' 

"That,"  replied  I,  "is  already  known  to  you  : 
it  was  to  find  the  vicomte.  And,  one  thing  also 
has  puzzled  me — your  friendliness  to  a  stranger." 

He  shrugged  his  shoulders.  "I  was  in  the 
mood  ;  at  another  time — but  of  that,  no  matter. 
Afterward,  when  I  thought  you  were  a  spy 
and  had  hoodwinked  me  to  a  nicety  I  would 
have " 

"Our  last  meeting  showed  me  that,"  I  replied 
smiling,  "  you — 

He  made  a  grimace.  "  When  the  countrymen 
whipped  me,"  quoth  he,  "but  let  us  speak  of 
other  things  ;  it  was  that  which  broke  Corn- 
wallis. " 

We  passed  a  pleasant  hour  in  company,  dur 
ing  which  I  related  some  simple  facts  which  had 
puzzled  him.  We  parted  in  friendly  fashion,  but 
not  until  he  had  promised  to  pay  his  respects  to 
Constance,  which  he  did  that  self-same  evening. 
To  this  day  I  hold  him  to  be  a  courteous  gentle 
man  and  a  man  of  goodly  parts,  though  there  are 
many  in  America  who  would  have  it  otherwise. 


Twelve  years  have  passed  since  my  first  com 
ing  to  the  Colonies.  There  is  peace,  where  once 
sounded  the  roll  of  drum  and  the  echoing  shots 
of  hostile  armies.  The  swamps  and  mountains 
of  the  south  abide  in  their  solitude,  for  Marion's 
men  and  Tarleton's  legion  ride  no  more. 

Many  of  those  by  whose  side  I  fought  for  lib 
erty  are  gone,  others  have  passed  from  sight,  but 
I  hear  of  them  from  time  to  time. 


258  A   CONTINENTAL  CAVALIER. 

In  these  peaceful  hours  thoughts  turn  to  my 
poor  France,  torn  by  discord,  and  the  heated  pas 
sions  of  those  who  should  stand  shoulder  to 
shoulder  for  her  safety.  Lafayette  is  there,  and 
Edouard,  and  for  them  I  tremble  ;  may  God  spare 
them  to  better  days.  Would  that  another  Wash 
ington  might  arise  to  guide  my  distracted  father 
land  to  peace  and  honor. 


TH*    END. 


THE 


Hbbcy  press 


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Howard,  Lady  Constance. 
Jennings,  Edwin  15. 
Johnson,  Stanley  Edward*. 
Jokai,  Miinrus. 
Eaven,  K.  Thomas. 
Kearney,  Belle. 


Kent,  Charles. 
Mauku  wskl,  Mary  D, 
Martyn,  Carlos. 
Miller,  Andrew  J. 
Munn,  Charles  Clark. 
Napoliello,  B.  II. 
Palier,  Kmile  A. 
Parkes,  Harry. 
Pash,  Florence. 
Rideal,  Charles  F. 
Ilunyan,  N.  P. 
Scribner,  Kimball. 
Stevenson,  Robert  Louis. 
Tabor,  Edward  A. 
Tolstoy,  Count. 
Walker,  Jessie  A. 
Winter,  C.  Gordon. 


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SLAVEHOLDER'S  DAUGHTER,  A. 

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SOCIAL  SINNERS. 

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13 


TEMPER  CURE,  THE. 

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WELLERISMS 

from  "Pickwick"  and  "Master  Humphrey's 
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"The  Humor  and  Pathos  of  Charles  Dickens." 
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This  book  has  met  with  remarkable  success.  The 
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14 


WHEN  AT  HOME  AND  SOCIETY  GUIDE. 

Giving  Days  when  "At  Home"  of  the  Upper 
Classes.  Compiled  and  edited  by  Charles  F. 
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Etiquette  of  Calls  and  Calling.  By  Lady  Con 
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WIDOWS  WE  MEET. 

Twelve  of  Them.  Brief,  pithy  characterizations 
by  Charles  F.  Rideal.  Fully  illustrated. 

YOUNG  GENTLEMEN  OF  TO-DAY. 

Eighteen  of  Them.  By  Charles  F.  Rideal.  Fully 
illustrated. 

ZENITH  MEMO-PAD,  THE. 

Designed  by  Lady  Constance  Howard  and  Mr. 
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